Technology Survey

In our first week of class, I would like everyone to take my Technology Survey so that I have a better idea of how familiar you are with the software and programs we will be using in this class.

My Curriculum Project: Using My Google Site For Classroom Projects

I am really looking forward to using the Google Site that I am creating in my classes this fall, especially for my Journalism/Advanced Computer class.  Check out what I have done so far on my project here:

Dana Epley's Curriculum Project

Using Blogs in My Classroom

While I have not had my students use this specific blogger site, we do use wikis and blogs on a weekly basis to work on our six traits writing skills on a server-based site.  The disadvantage to this was that the students had to be logged on to the school server to post a comment or make a comment on anyone else's post.  I plan to use blogger next year so that students can use the site at home, as well as at school, but did not want to switch mid-year last year.

I felt this was an educational experience as my students who plan to attend college will, in my opinion, undoubtedly use wikis and blogs on a regular basis, and I want them to feel comfortable using them AND know how to use them correctly.  

Each week, I gave my students a writing prompt over the material that we had covered that week in class.  They were asked to relate the material to something personal in their life.  This required each of my students to partake in the wiki/blog (depending on the week and the assignment) and to learn the differences in the two.  I feel confident that my students would know how to set up a wiki or blog on their own, and I know each of my students knows the difference between the two as well!  

Photoshop Tutorial on Layering

One of the first things you will learn in PhotoShop is about layering.  This tutorial, found on YouTube, will explain how to create a new layer and the purpose of creating layers.  Enjoy!

About Me...

My name is Dana Epley, and I am currently the Business Education teacher at Silver Lake High School.  I have just finished my fifth year of teaching, and my fourth at Silver Lake.  I teach Jr. High Computer Awareness, Keyboarding 9, Computer Applications 10, Accounting, Accounting 2, Advanced Computers, and Journalism.  I am also the FBLA sponsor.  I am married with four children, and truly enjoy spending time with my family and at my job.

The purpose of this blog is for a class that I am taking through Peru State College to obtain my Masters Degree in Instructional Technology.  The name of the class is Using the Internet.  I have used wikis and blogs regularly in my classroom to communicate with students, but this is my first time acting as the student to create a blog!