Running head: TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO

Technology Portfolio Terry Gallivan Liberty University EDUC 637 January 26, 2014

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Technology Portfolio

Hardware Devices

The hardware is the same as the human body. Just as the body has many components; a computer, laptop, or tablet has components which may or may not be needed for functionality. One may be able to live without a limb but without a brain, heart or lungs what is the quality of life? The same holds true for a computer, laptop, or tablet; there are mandatory elements essential for life. Theme 8. Science, and its practical application, technology, have had a major influence on social and cultural development, and on the ways people interact with the world. Scientific advances and technology have influenced life over the centuries, and modern life, as we know it, would be impossible without technology and the science that supports it. The issues in hardware devices are simple affordability. The world of Utopia does not exist in the sense there will be schools without the funds to purchase the necessary hardware for each student. Taxpayers are consistently improving athletic facilities for a few students over enhancing technology for all students. Until there is a major turnaround, this will always be the case at hand.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Monitor:

The world around us becomes dark when there is no light to be seen. The same holds true for a computer monitor. The monitor is the eyes which the individual sees the world and all the information brought forth through the computer hardware and software. All ten themes can be seen or obtained with the use of the monitor. For instance, theme number nine Global Connections. The monitor can bring to life through the history of pictures exhibiting the change of most any culture. As with any visual, one must consider the accuracies of the information viewed. Technology has the ability to change true history with a few movements of the mouse. Resources must be validated as authentic. Students are now able to view the world first hand as no other time in history. Keyboard:

The ability to communicate often comes from the use of the keyboard. Although, there are other means of corresponding on a computer; the most popular apparatus is the keyboard. Theme nine, Global Connections, would relate to communicating globally. Words are necessary to rely information to a targeted audience and the keyboard can accomplish this. Typing is an efficient means to completing assignments if you are a decent typist. The issues come into account if there are disabilities to tend with which can be overcome by other means.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Mouse:

The purpose of the mouse is navigation. Of course, recent technology has brought about the touch screen which lessens the use of the mouse usage. Once again, all theme strands can be accomplished through the use of a mouse. Essentially, you are just one click away from knowledge. Assignments are completed by the use of a mouse. Whether one is using the mouse to navigate position or clicking through a power point, it is a valuable tool. The issue would be if there are any mobility issues to be dealt with. The touch screen may help a student in overcoming mobility. Webcam:

Smile, you are being seen by all viewing this webcam with you. The webcam can be used to bring audiences together on a personal level. We all know a picture is worth a thousand words, so what is the worth of a video? All the NCSS themes can be incorporated with the use of a webcam. For instance, theme three, people, places and environments, can be viewed from remote locations. This will create a personal connection to the content being taught. The use of a webcam has many advantages. The main point of interest is bringing the

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO lessons to life. In having an expert come to the class can be costly, but the video chat would be nominal in comparison. The downside is security and anonymity can be comprised. Microphone / Headset:

The microphone / headset can create an environment where students can be on different lessons and maintain a quiet setting for others. Another benefit is being able to converse with other people at remote locations. Although, not a mandatory device, a microphone / headset can make life easier. All themes can relate to microphone / headset device. An example would be the first theme, culture and cultural diversity. Students are expected to learn that other cultures have a different way of living, and this can be explored by visiting online communities. Microphone devices seem to be underutilized in most school settings. Headsets are a common device when students have computer time. It seems a two-way communication system would be more beneficial for collaboration.

Graphic Card / Video Card:

As a gamer, I value a top of the line graphic / video card. A graphic / video card is responsible for creating an image on the monitor screen.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO I would have to say any theme in which a video can be viewed would benefit from a decent

graphic / video card installed. Especially, if the video is enlarged onto the projector screen to be viewed by all students. Although, the graphic / video card does not impede learning it only is an added bonus. It all comes down to pixels and quality of the video streaming. The better the quality of the graphic / video card, the more cost involved.

Speakers:

Sound is essential for the learning process. The ability to hear experts through video conferences or to listen to educational videos is provided through the speakers. All the NCSS themes can be applied to speakers. Educators are not experts on every content taught; therefore, students can explore on their own. Listening is a valuable skill and would not be accomplished without the use of speakers. One does not need high end speakers as long as the sound is heard. It is important speakers can interrupt others performing their tasks if the volume is too loud. In this case, it is recommended to have the option of a headset.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Printer / Scanner:

As with any product we create, we have a need to share if for no other reason, but to receive a grade. Printers enable the individual this opportunity. Scanners copy information directly to the computer. This information helps get a visual picture to the words we write. It would be beneficial to use a printer / scanner for several projects. Therefore, any of the themes can utilized this technology. The cost of printing eliminates the contributions the printing device can have. On the other hand, the scanner is an underutilized technology.

Expansion Cards:

An expansion card is an electronic card that is used to add extra functions to a computer. Essentially, the motherboard is given a helping hand to enhance performance of the computer. For example, most computers do not come equipped with a high-end graphics card and gamers will upgrade by using the expansion slot for this purpose. This is not a necessary component for any of the NCSS themes. Expansion cards only help the motherboard perform better. The expansion card is icing on the cake, but one can eat cake without the icing. As always,

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO there is the cost factor to consider. CPU / Laptop:

Life without the CPU or similar device would be my childhood. Research, assignment and creativity would be altered to a time when students had to work hard to obtain quality assignments to turn into the teacher. CPUs are the heart of technology. The NCSS themes revolve on the idea of research, knowledge and projects obtained through the internet connection. The CPU and related devices allow students to gain a greater understanding of the world around them. Since we are addicted to the usage and ease of use of the computer; it is would seem there would be a revolution started if students had to go back to doing things the old fashion way. The concept of going back to pen and paper would destroy online classes. Business / Productivity Software

The software is helping achieve specific tasks such as documents, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, charts and graphs, create digital paintings, electronic music, and make digital movies. Essentially, anything your heart desire can be accomplished by using software.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO In not sounding like a broken record; all themes can be learned through the use of different software. An example would be theme three where people, places, and environments are learned. Software brings students a connection vastly different avenues for creativity. Technological software has advanced on the last ten years. Whenever a program can make ones job easier, I am on board the train. The following programs are user friendly and range from nominal cost to a little on the exorbitant side. Camtasia:

This software application is for creating videos and presentations. The program is published by TechSmith. The screen area is recorded, and audio may be recorded at the same time or added separately from any other source. This is one of my favorite programs for completing projects. All NCSS themes can utilize Camtasia. Imagination can produce great leaps with theme four, individual development and identity. Individual connections to time, place, and social / cultural systems will be witnessed through student work. Issues of cost can be problematic as we know. Camtasia is a program worth the cost as will be observed as students eagerly work together to create videos.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Snag It:

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Another TechSmith program where screen shots are easily taken by the user. This program easily records videos. The awesome editing features effortlessly helps in high-end completed projects. Repeating oneself is certainly the theme when saying all the themes can use Snag It. Snag It simply utilizes student research to create presentations beyond poster board. The Snag It program comes with Camtasia for a nominal fee. In stating this, the issue will still be dollars spent. Adobe Creative Cloud:

Adobe Creative Cloud is a platform for storage, collaborating, and various programs. Included in this platform are Photoshop and Illustrator. Adobe has several options for purchase / renting the program. The NCSS themes can easily be learned through the use of technology. Adobe Creative Cloud can get the job done. Since I have not had the pleasure of exploring Adobe Creative Cloud, I do not have a valid viewpoint at this time. I do not like the renting aspect of the platform. It seems this is a bottomless pit of payment.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Dragon NaturallySpeaking:

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Dragon Naturally Speaking program recognizes an individuals speech patterns then types the words into the document. A relatively low cost program for what it does. This program takes some of the writing process to a simpler level for students with unique needs. Learning content throughout all the themes can be the focus while elevating the daunting task of typing for some students. The Dragon Naturally Speaking seems to be a program to enhance learning by performing the task of typing for some students. I would not advocate all students using this program. I would suggest students that have a learning disability or physical disability would benefit most from this program. Computrace LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software:

Miss, my laptop is lost, I think it was stolen. Computrace LoJack will come to the rescue in locating the missing laptop. It tracks the GPS of the laptop. This program has nothing directly involved in the NCSS themes, expect with a working devices work will be impeded. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs are increasing in popularity at schools across the nation. LoJack is the certainly what is meant by penny wise or pound foolish.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Animate Academic:

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Animate is a drawing program and more. Animate can create animation on a simple easy to learn platform. Let the creativity start! The NCSS themes can be brought to life with the aid of Animate. Students can imagine, research, create and produce projects any teacher would give an A. In sounding like a parrot; money, money is always a reason for not having some fun. The Animate program can be purchased for half of the price through the school. Timeliner XE:

Timeliner XE is an organizer for information gathered by the student(s). This program comes complete with research projects to be assigned. Timelines have never been simpler. Which came first the chicken or the egg? I am not sure either but with Timeliner XE I know it makes my timeline look professional even if I choose wrong. The theme, time, continuity, and change will be taught and learned with enthusiasm with Timeliner XE. The use of Timeliner XE will serve in the best interest of giving a sense of pride to a job well-done. The cost is nominal in comparison to other programs that do not produce the same end-result.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Make- A-Map 3D:

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What a cool way to learn about maps! Make-A-Map 3D teaches about directions, map symbols, map keys and indexes. Imagine never being lost again. This program can create details including roads, commercial and residential buildings, and adding landmarks, landforms and traffic signs. Let us not forget to mention the 3D aspect wow! Theme three, people, places, and environment are brought to life with the Make-A-Map 3D programs. There is no more playing with Play-Dough with this program. In making life easier and less cluttered this program is worth the cost of 100 posters. Captivate 7:

Captivate 7 is just that captivating. There seems to be nothing you cannot do with this program. Publish an assortment of projects to present an out-of-this-world presentations. Avatar creation to test giving are all inclusive in this product. All the NCSS themes can utilize the technology within Captivate 7. Your PDAS / evaluation will soar to exemplary. The price for success comes at $300.00 as an educator or student opposed to the suggested cost of $900.00.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Norton AntiVirus:

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There are many anti-virus programs on the market with Norton being the most advertised. If you have ever had a virus or Trojan horse, you know the importance of protecting your computer. Some malware can make your life miserable. Anti-virus can lessen the threats to your computer. There really is no direct connection to any of the themes for this software. This being said there is nothing worse as completing a project to destroyed or captured by a Trojan horse or virus or malware. It is just the smart thing to do. Cost should not be a factor as it should be mandatory to have some sort of anti-virus / malware software installed. Web-Based Technologies

Web-based technologies are applications which run through the world-wide-web. The programs are usually script in either JavaScript, HTML, or CSS languages. There is no need for downloading the program since the websites are maintained on the internet. Since the objective of the NCSS themes is to bring people from diversity together, each of the themes can be brought into play. Theme one, culture and cultural diversity, will utilize webbased technologies to connect with other cultures around the world.

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As long as student safety is foremost in the mind of the district, school, and teachers; students will establish relevant context to any lesson being taught. The unfortunate reality is a one-to-one computer to student ratio is difficult to obtain. One thought is less money spent on the football stadium and more money spent on the technology. Wikis:

Wikis are a collaboration of individuals working together. The most popular and least reliable is Wikipedia. Since people can add to Wikipedia pages, some of the information may not be accurate. Wikis come in a variety of content from WikiTravel to WikiHow. All the NCSS themes can be researched using a Wiki. Since this medium is not a scholarly resource, it would be beneficial to use it only as a starting point for research. The information from a Wiki needs to be verified by scholarly material. Wikis certainly have been given a bad rap for reliability. As it can be explained to students, the print for any resource needs to be verified as factual. Truth is not what you read as much as it is what you believe to be the truth. Jing:

Jing is a screencasting computer program where you can take quick screenshots and short videos. The photos and videos cannot be edited. Jing does allow be sharing on the web by

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO creating a URL for each upload. All NCSS themes can take advantage of using Jing. Students can create a collection of photos and videos for top-notch presentations. Teachers can create visuals to be incorporated into their lessons with just a click of the mouse.

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Since Jing is a free download cost is irrelevant in this case. Teachers need to be aware of any misuse of Jing. Students need to be educated on the proper use of copyright material. Ning:

Ning is a social networking platform. It is essentially a Facebook page merged with a website. Ning can be used as a blogging site for the students. All the NCSS themes can be brought to the table when collaboration is the key to learning. Teachers can prompt students to become involved in a school to school learning experience. Students can learn from other students through the use of Ning. In my opinion, I would not use Ning. I do not believe in paying for something that can be obtained on the level for free. Slide Share:

Slide Share is a great medium to share slide shows with others around the world. One can share publicly or with a select few such as classmates. Audio, web links, and music can be

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO included to your hearts desire.

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Redundancy runs rapid as it is stated that all NCSS can incorporate Slide Share. Theme four, individual development and identity could be integrated as a sharing of varying perspective projects. Everybody has a story; so telling the story in PowerPoint or PDF can easily get the experiences of ones perspective out for the world to see. There is always the option for just the class to view. Students love creating PowerPoints, although, they dislike learning by them. Teachers have to obtain a sense of anonymity for student identity. This is a free site, so cost is not a factor. Wix:

Wix is a website creation site. The Wix cloud-based platform is a simple drag and drop program. The basic program without the bells and whistles is free. All the themes can use this web-based technology. Projects can be displayed in a professional manner will giving students a permanent portfolio to expand upon. Students may create quality assignments when given the opportunity to broadcast to a broader audience. Since the cost is not a factor; the only consideration will be the safety of the students. Students will need to be instructed on the plight of plagiarism. WiZiQ:

Everyone has heard about not re-creating the wheel. The same holds true to lesson planning.

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WiZiQ takes the work out of teaching by providing proven learning tools. A virtual classroom becomes an endless library of lessons for the taking. The teacher can upload PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, Word documents, videos from YouTube and / or multimedia content from the web. A teacher can incorporate the ease of a virtual lesson for any of the NCSS themes. The lessons can be followed up with quizzes and tests for proof of mastery. Students are eager to explore the topics in a safe online environment. The annual cost for this adventure of online learning is approximately $690.00 for unlimited users. The main concern is the availability to computer and online access. There may be an issue in having students unwilling to complete the work which will need to be addressed proactively. Photosynth:

Photosynth is a software application explores digital photographs and produces a 3-D revision of the snapshots. This program enables plain photos to come to life. Pictures to used can be obtained from a digital camera or the camera on the cell phone. In choosing a theme number eight stands out. Production, distribution, and consumption can be explored through Photosynth. The PowerPoint or Prezi presentation can allow viewers to feel a sense of navigating through the production, distribution, and consumption of available resources. Technology at its finest can be introduced with Photosynth. Students will be excited to

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO demonstrate any topic by creating 3-D presentations. This seems to be a free program application. Zotero:

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Zotero is a free and user friendly program that can help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources. Zotero can add PDFs, images, audio and video files, snapshots of web pages, and more. Zotero indexes the library so that information can be found quickly. All the NCSS themes can benefit from the Zotero program. Teachers can require students to enter all their resources to Zotero for a class reference library. Students can research on their own or access a class research library located in the Zotero resource tool. Zotero is a free resource tool. A major benefit is the reduction of plagiarism. Zotero is best used by middle school students and up. Multimedia Software

Multimedia software is the heart and soul for the computer. Where hardware is the cake; the software is the icing on the cake. Software programs allow the user to perform various tasks. These tasks, to mention a few, are text documents, graphics, audio and video. The knowledge to learn and share the content within the NCSS themes would be minimal if not for the technology contained in the multimedia programs. Teachers and students would have to rely on the information available through the textbooks and literature in the library.

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In the past, teachers had only to rely on the resources located at the school or the library. The premise was the books retained accurate information within the bounded pages. The internet has enabled individuals to research documents and media for a comparison of resources to determine the winner in the logomachy. Adobe Shockwave:

Adobe Shockwave brings words to life through online movies and animations. Online games have benefitted from the Adobe Shockwave by producing vibrant graphic display. Teachers can incorporate the Adobe Shockwave into any of the NCSS themes. Movies, games, animations and much more use the Adobe Shockwave to present online. Students can visit any country to learn about the society and its culture any time by the pressing of a button. Teachers must always view the content of any movie or game prior to students viewing. This is to ensure the content is age appropriate. Teaching about other countries once could only be viewed on the printed page; now the experience can be brought to life like no other time in history. Rosetta Stone:

Rosetta Stone is a language program that teaches through the concept of submersion. Rosetta Stone offers thirty languages, including French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Pashto. An interesting point about Rosetta Stone is the endangered language program. Two of the languages included in this program are the Navajo and the Chitimacha tribes of the United States. The ninth theme, global connections, is relevant to Rosetta Stone. Although, language can be

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connected to all the themes. Language can be a major divide between nations and Rosetta Stone can lessen the communication gap for those interested. The mention of money comes into discussion again. Rosetta Stone is a great program, but money will always be spent elsewhere first. Remember the football field! The connections students make to a culture would greatly increase with the ability to communicate with the natives. Windows Media Player / ITunes:

Windows Media Player is a media player and media library application developed by Microsoft. It is used for playing audio, video and viewing images on ones computer. Windows Media Player can burn media to CDs or thumb drives to use on other devices. All the NCSS themes can utilize the benefits of Windows Media Player. If a picture is worth a thousand words; imagine adding music or voice to the image. Students can experience the world through movies, pictures and music with just a few clicks. This technology surpasses the textbooks by miles for applicability. Since the Windows Media Player is free; cost is not a factor. In the classroom, the teacher will need speakers and video display equipment in order to fully utilize this technology. Games / Entertainment

What would life be without games and entertainment? For educators and students alike

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learning must be fun; otherwise, the audience is lost in boredom. Technology has brought about a new way of learning by introducing interactive participation. Games can introduce or empower any of the NCSS themes. Reviewing or testing can be completed through the use of gaming. Entertainment can reduce the students forgetting the lesson to be learned. Some games and entertainment can be free while others have to endure the rejection of use due to money availability. As a gamer, kinetic, visual learner lessons are retained by this type of learning. For the audio learner reinforcement will be obtained by traditional means at times.

Ford Driving Skills for Life:

Ford Driving Skills for Life is a free application for teenage drivers. A hands-on driver training program to help inexperienced drivers improve crucial skills. The program covers speed & distance, vehicle control, dangerous situations and distractions. A must for learning responsibility without the fear of burying a loved one. None of the NCSS themes will be directed by Ford Driving Skills directly. Though in the long run to learn to drive will contribute to theme ten, civic ideals and practices. Ford Driving Skills will contribute to students to becoming productive citizens. One may remember when drivers education was part of the curriculum. It was a sad day when students could no longer learn to drive as an elective. Liability and cost may have cost its demise.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Hero Academy! :

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The game focuses on strategy. Just as chess has the quest in capturing the king; Hero Academy has the objective of destroying the opponents crystal. This is a critical thinking game. A player can cast spells and use healing potions. Weapons and armor which can be equipped to the avatars. The NCSS theme which stands out for this game is number five, individuals, groups, and institutions. Of course, a stretch of the imagination will need to be invoked to pull this game off in the classroom. The higher order critical thinking skills can be developed and then related to the content in the curriculum. Teachers will not want to delegate the time necessary for students to improve the relevance of how this game relates to their school instruction. Nor will the district pay for this type of game. Students will just have to play Hero Academy at home. Echo Prime:

Echo Prime is created by the same game developers as Hero Academy. There are similarities between the games in the point strategy is the key to winning. This game is idea for the touchscreens. Since critical thinking skills are an important part to learning Social Studies, Echo Prime

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO would be an asset to develop these skills. Many individuals take what they hear at face value and never learn to dissect the truth from multiple resources. Echo Prime can assist in thinking outside of the box. Echo Prime should be a game to play outside to the classroom. Students will enjoy

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developing strategies which can be applied to curriculum assignments. The cost for this program is minimal as compared to other games. World of Warcraft:

Although, many individuals debate there is an addiction element to this game. There are educational benefits to World of Warcraft (WOW). As any gamer can testify, there are skills to be learned. For instance, geography, navigational skills, commodities market, social skills, following directions in order to complete a quest, reading skills and vocabulary enhanced, reward system, immediate feedback, goal incentives, and teamwork. The bottom line is working together to complete a quest or dungeon or solo-play to improve your character. WOW is a game where all the NCSS themes can be incorporated. One theme that stands out is theme two, time, continuity, and change. WOW explores the history of each fraction and how each civilization is still evolving. WOW has a program called WOWinSchool which I do not advocate. WOW is a game which is highly addictive and has mature content. I, personally, play WOW and know the game firsthand. WOW can teach many features as mentioned above, but the cost factor is continually with the monthly subscriptions after purchase of the game and its expansions.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Genomic Digital Lab:

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Wow! I wish I had this serious learning game when I was teaching plants in my Science class. This is an extremely interactive game. I would recommend this game for the student taking a Biology class opposed to a general science curriculum. You have to register to play, but it is free. The website is: http://www.spongelab.com/game_pages/gdl.cfm As a stretch of the imagination, the NCSS theme which Genomic Digital Lab can contribute knowledge to is theme seven, production, distribution, and consumption. Learning about plants can vastly assist in creating an ecosystem that thrives for production. Production is the first step, as we know, to distribution and consumption. In reality, Genomic Digital Lab would best be served in the Science curriculum. This free program promotes a fun way to learn Biology. The problem will be getting the information to the teachers and then getting the Genomic Digital Lab incorporated into the curriculum. Quandary:

Games for Changed announced its G4C Award winners Game of the Year Quandary. Players shape the future of a new society while learning how to recognize ethical issues and deal with challenging situations in their own lives. Cool way players can interact in a virtual world.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO All the NCSS themes can come into play with Quandary. The one theme of importance to

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Quandary is theme six, power, authority, and governance. One must develop a civilization that works together to survive. Considerations must be given to when students will have time allotted to play Quandary. The cost factor will be an issue, but well worth the cost for student collaboration and the skills taken away from the game. Another factor is the availability to computer devices and internet connection to play. Spores:

The game series of Spores is an interactive game series incorporating an evolution of toons. The phases of progression are cell phase, creature phase, tribal phase, civilization phase, and space phase. A game of life - you decide if you are going to be carnivore, herbivore, or an omnivore. This seems to be not only an educational game but extremely interactive and fun. Theme four, individual, development, and identity can be utilized through the game of Spores. Although, this game will be better suited for the Science classroom. The collaboration between the two contents, Science and Social Studies, could produce joint knowledge among the subjects. In saying, Spores would be better for the Science curriculum; it would be a hard sale for a Social Studies teacher to jump on board. Students would still need to have time allotted to them in order to have the learning aspects to become engrained into the long time memory. Cost would be minimal but will always be an issue.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO Feon's Quest:

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80 Days created Feon's Quest to deliver Europe's geographical content in a fun and dynamic way for students, ages 12 to 16 years old. Feon is a space alien that accompanies the student on a journey exploring the terrain and landmarks in Europe. For more information please visit: http://www.eightydays.eu/project.html People, places, and environments, theme three would apply to Feons Quest. This game would explore Europe as a starting point to theme three. Feons Quest explores the people, places, and environments in a fun and interactive medium. The only issue I have found is the game seems to only be for Europe. There is no download at this time, but may be in the near future. According to the YouTube videos viewed any student would enjoy learning geography as presented in Feons Quest. No Red Ink:

This program allows for personalization. For instance, the questions relate to the student's preferences to music, pets, friends, sports, and television shows. There is immediate feedback to the student, and the teacher can view the student's progress. The student has an opportunity to make corrections to improve their score. No Red Ink is a program for increasing English writing skills. Any program which improves writing skills will contribute to all the NCSS themes with no

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exception. This is especially true for No Red Ink. Spell check only works if you can recognize that the word is correctly used for the content being written. For instance, then and than are often confused and if spelled correctly will not be found as incorrect in spell check. No Red Ink would be best be used in the English / Language Arts class but with no doubt would benefit Social Studies, as well. This is a free program, so cost is not a factor. Students are able to personalize the content in a unique manner to make a relevant connection to themselves. Civilization:

A game of strategies in creating an empire. Players learn to lead a civilization to success. There are times for waging war, conducting diplomacy, and discovery of new technologies. There are collaboration between leaders for peace, but, also, opportunities to devastate opposing empires. This game is all about how history plays a role in the future survival of the nation. The NCSS theme which stands out for this game is number six, power, authority, and governance. In creating a civilization, students can see what other civilizations had to endure to survive. Collaboration is the key to their survival as each civilization has to work with neighboring communities. Time is the key for Civilization. Students will have to play at home to get the full extent of the games objectives. Therefore, cost, computer devices, and the internet will have a factor of playing Civilization.

TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO References

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50 education technology tools every teacher should know about. (2013, August 21). Edudemic. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/50-education-technology-tools-every-teachershould-know-about About.com. (2014). http://pcsupport.about.com/od/termshm/g/hardware.htm Ford Driving Skills for Life. (2013). https://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/ JourneyEd. (2014). http://www.journeyed.com/?ref=select Kickmeier, M. (2010, September 14). The 80 days project: Next gen learning games (www.eightydays.eu) [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViF6hqhuGWg National curriculum standards for Social Studies: Chapter 2the themes of Social Studies. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands TEDxTALKS (2010, November 1). Tom Chatfield: 7 ways video games engage the brain. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyamsZXXF2w TheTolhe (2011, January 9). Lets play Spore part 1: Cell stage [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38I8GDMbB8o