Behavior Management & Strategies

• Classroom Agreement: Rules for the classroom that students agree are reasonable, for this grade-level "okay", to understand and follow.
• Warning: When students agree to understand and follow the rules for the classroom and they break the rule they will be given warnings before further actions are taken.
• Time-Out: When three warnings have been given to the student they will be sent to time out for five to ten minutes.
• Regrouping: When the student has served his time-out sentence, they will be asked questions about what happened for them to be sent to time-out. This helps students identify what they did not do right and what they can do to avoid the behavior or action again. They are then asked if they are ready to rejoin their group to continue the lesson.
• Reward System: Rewards, such as stickers and praise, are some rewards to encourage a positive behavior or action. On a regular basis, we reward stickers to students who turn in the weekly assignments or specific documents that they are requested to turn in.
• Proximity of Authority: When I have noticed that a student is sent to time-out more than often, I have the student sit next to me or my mentor to monitor his behavior closely.
• Responsibilities: Giving a student that has behavioral issues responsibilities exposes the student to apathy of what a teacher deals with when students do not listen. A positive to this strategy is that they feel needed and looked up to by other students.

Recommended Software

The following links are software tools I would use to keep my computer clean in the classroom and to keep track of grades and attendance. These software tools will not focus on student learning, but will be more focused on keeping the computers maintained so that students will be able to continue using them.

Anti-Virus – Tools and information related to computer viruses and worms.

Database and Application Services – Database tools and other server-based software.

Public Site Software - Software installed in campus classrooms and in Technopolis.

Recommended & Supported Software – Software recommended and supported by Information Technology at the West campus.

Social Software - New technologies and possibilities for collaboration and communication.

Software Support Policy – What the software support categories are and how to get a product on the recommended software list.

Spam Control - We all get too much of this junk e-mail. What tools do we have to control it?

University Academic Systems – Some specialized software is available on systems operated by ASU IT. Access is available to West campus users in the same way that it is to people at the other ASU campuses.

University Administrative Systems - Systems that support the operations of ASU.

Keep it Clean!

Defragging your Hard Drive

ImageWant to keep your computer running smoothly? Would you like to possibly speed it up at the same time? There is a simple little utility program built into Windows that will help you do just that. It is called Disk Defragmenter.

Don’t be put off by the name. It sounds a bit complicated, but defragmenting your hard disk is easy. You just need a little knowledge about how a computer works to understand what disk defragmentation is and how it works.
Defrag Explained

When you add a file or a new program to a brand new computer, the hard disk is relatively empty so new data is written to the hard disk in one contiguous block. When you need to use that information, the computer can quickly access it because it is all in one place.

As you use your computer adding files and programs, the hard disk begins to fill up. Deleting files or removing programs creates small empty areas among the other data that the computer will reuse. After awhile, the computer is no longer saving information in large blocks. Instead, it stores information in the many little empty nooks and crannies of your hard disk. The result is that one program or file is broken up, or fragmented, into little pieces and stored in many different areas of the hard disk. The computer ingeniously keeps track of the addresses of each piece of data and puts it all together when it is needed. Yet, obviously, the more broken up the information is, the longer it takes to access the data and the slower the computer becomes.
Finding the Defrag Utility

The solution is a simple one. Your Windows computer comes with a program that will defragment your hard disk. This process reunites all the data into large blocks and gathers all the free space on the hard disk into one block making data retrieval faster and easier for the computer.

Most of you will be able to find the disk defrag program by clicking on the Start button, then choosing (All) Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and finally clicking on the Disk Defragmenter. If you have any trouble finding it, simply click on Start, then Help. Click on the Search tab and type in the word "defragment." The computer will give you a link to the defrag program.

Depending on your computer and your hard disk, defragmenting the hard disk can take a bit of time. After you defrag, you will see no difference in your computer, except for a little faster speed if the disk was very fragmented. Yet, getting into the routine of defragging every now and then is a good habit to form since it keeps your computer running smoothly. Some programs, like video editing software, will crash if the disk is too fragmented.
Trouble Shooting Defrag

Before you start the defrag process you will want to turn off any programs that you are running, including those running in the background like firewalls and anti-virus programs. If you try to defrag when these programs are running, the defrag process will constantly be stopped.

If you turn off the major programs that you have running and still find that the defrag routine is constantly interrupted, you can defrag from safe mode. Safe mode is a troubleshooting mode for Windows. In normal Windows operations, many individual programs may be automatically started along with the Windows operating system. In safe mode, only the operating system and drivers are loaded. Since no other programs are loaded, there is nothing running in the background to interfere with the defrag process.

To start your computer in safe mode, simply turn the computer off, and when it starts to reboot, press the F8 key. The exact time that you should press the F8 key varies with different Windows versions and it is always difficult to pinpoint. Sometimes pressing the F8 key and holding it down during the boot process will work. Continuously tapping the F8 key during the boot process seems to work the best for most computers. Once the safe mode screen comes up, use the arrow key to choose “Safe Mode”. You can verify that you are in safe mode by noting that the computer screen says “safe mode” in each corner. You may notice that the screen looks different, perhaps grainy or pixilated. That is normal for safe mode. Once in safe mode, start the defrag process as noted above. When the process is complete, click Start/Shutdown to restart the computer.

How often you defrag your computer depends on the size of your hard drive, the amount you use your computer, and type of use you give it. Once a month is a good practice for most average users. Whether you decide to defrag once a month or just a few times a year, defragging can help your computer run smoother and faster.

National Educational Technology Standards for Students

Technology Foundation Standards for Students

1. Basic operations and concepts
* Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
* Students are proficient in the use of technology.


2. Social, ethical, and human issues
* Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
* Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
* Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.


3. Technology productivity tools
* Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
* Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.


4. Technology communications tools
* Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
* Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.


5. Technology research tools
* Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
* Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
* Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.


6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
* Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
* Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

resources: http://www.cnets.iste.org/Students/s_stands.html

Science Computer Activities

Kidport.com is a great site to bring your students to because it has different activities for all content areas including science. For the science portion on this site there are three activities they offer that are entitled, Life in the Sea, Who eats What, and Pollution. These activities are based on science and again this site offers other actitivies on the other content areas. www.kidport.com

This site includes games and activities based on animals for a fun-filled science class. Students identify different animals, what they look like, and what they eat. www.resources.kaboose.com/games/animals2.html

1. Animal Safari
Drag names of animals to the appropriate picture.
2. Animal Spot
Drag certain features to the appropriate animal (horns, tails, etc.).
3. Animal Tracks
Match tracks in the ground to the animals which made them.
4. Bug Bait
Navigate a garden as a butterfly--collect powerups, set bugbombs, destroy the nasty bugs and escape! Become a very powerful butterfly!
5. Fun Science
Drag sequential images of plants growing, or animals developing into the correct order.

Languge Arts Computer Activities

The following links are my favorites for activities that focus on language arts...
Hope you like them too!

1. Learning Planet.com is a great site that teachers can utilize to help students build on their A,B,C's. I really liked this site because it used a reward system when you click on the correct answer and it starts out the game with the basics of the A,B,C's. http://www.learningplanet.com/act/abcorder.asp
2. This site is called Literacy Center. This site gives students a chance to choose what activity or game they would like to take part in. From uppercase letters to spelling three letter words, this site can help students build their confidence with writing, spelling, and language arts.
http://www.literacycenter.net/lessonview_en.htm
3. A site that I would like to use with my more advanced students would be found here in this site called Starfall. It is an interactive game where students read and create a story they make up. After playing and creating, students can print out their story! http://www.starfall.com/n/level-a/learn-to-read/load.htm
4. Dositey is a great place for students who have a difficult time with upper and lowercase letters. It presents a memory game for students to play and match lowercase letters with the uppercase letters.
http://www.dositey.com/language/mgamelet.htm
5.Kidport is another great site to get language arts computer activities. There are a variety of games students can choose from to help with their language arts including alphabet games, letter games, and poem creator. Students will be able to choose from a variety of games depending on their skill level. http://www.kidport.com

Computer Math Activities & Links

1. The Backwards Guessing Game
This is a Java applet so you can play against the computer online. The computer selects a number between 1 and 1000 and you must "guess it"; the computer will tell you if your guess is too high, too low, or correct. Space is provided to write notes, and the total number of guesses is displayed. Use The Super Guessing Game to see the computer's strategy for guessing YOUR secret number.
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/jscript/backwards.html

2. Dot2Dot
Practice counting while developing point-n-click skills with the mouse. The java applet will only draw the lines when numerical order is followed; when all the dots are connected the picture will appear in color. Several different drawings are available. <Lyndsey's Mania>
http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/java/dinodots/ham.html

3. BINO: The Computer Math Card Game
If you want to have fun AND learn the binary number system used in computers, this game is for you!! Read the instructions and look at the pages of sample hands and scoring instructions; includes links to other resources.
http://www.angelfire.com/ct/binoweb/

4. Autocrazy (aka Car Jam)
Try this RUSH HOUR-style Java Applet -- see if you can "free" the white car trapped in the gridlock. To move the cars and trucks, click once on the end of the vehicle facing the spot to which it will move.
http://www.tdb.uu.se/~karl/java/cars/

5. Three Door Puzzle
An exceptionally well-constucted interactive simulation of the Monty Hall Let's Make a Dealpuzzle. In addition to the game simulation, a creative method of solution is provided as well as a generalization to N-doors.
http://www.intergalact.com/threedoor/threedoor.html

Computer Lab, Management, & Scheduling Ideas

Room Arrangement should have…

* Easy student access
* Easy teacher access for presenting, modeling, and process writing etc.
* Away from direct sunlight, water, magnets, and chalk dust
* Easily supervised
* Provide enough space for small group interaction

Management / Scheduling

* Consider equity
* Sample methods are:
o Use 3 x 5 recipe card file with student names to identify computer users for each day. Have students cycle through to complete project. (Color coding Monday through Friday with student names many be helpful.)
o Take weekly schedule and assign open blocks to students.
* Consider the project when allowing computer time. Some projects many take more time.
* Be creative when seeking additional available computers.
* Provide opportunities for cooperative learning.
* Post computer rights and responsibilities, guidelines for help, and expected behavior near computer station.
* Display posters using computer terms and commands.
* Emphasize the importance of preplanning so that time on the computer is efficiently used.
* Create two folders, one for completed projects and one for work in progress. Have a checklist available so that, after each session, students can indicate whether project is complete or additional time is needed.
* Use peer partnership/mentors/volunteers
o Consider having students work in pairs or small groups.
o Consider computer skill and specific assignment when pairing students
o Change partnerships according to needs.
o Students need time away from the computer for brainstorming, planning, and revising project.
o Peer critiquing of computer projects is a key.
o The use of "trained experts" among class members is helpful.
o Consider the use of computer buddies to introduce new computer skills.
o Trained parent and community volunteers can provide assistance with more involved projects.

Classroom modeling

* Model computer project for the week.
* Provide a sample of the completed work for that session.
* Provide students with a step by step checklist. Have students sign and attach the checklist to completed project. Be sure to include a proofreading checklist.
* When teaching a computer skill, templates can be very valuable. When using a template, each student or team can rotate through the activity and the original will not be altered or lost. This allows for a more self-guided lesson.

New ASNMC Officers

On October 10, 2006, the student government of our very own NMC held their new semester elections and on October 13, 2006 we had our induction for the new officers. For those of you who are not aware of our student government, the Associated Students of the Northern Marianas College (ASNMC)has served the needs of students through various student-led activities to help answer and voice out student concerns and questions about our institution. Please be aware that if you may have any questions, comments, concerns, or criticisms that you would like addressed take advantage ASNMC. We are here to help you out and make your voice be heard. Stop by our office located in the Student Center of building 'J', call us at ext. 1251 or 1253, or email us at asnmc@nmcnet.edu. Please note that I along with Queanna Sablan are serving another term as President and Secretary, but congratulations to our new V.P.-Ronald Averion and Treasurer-Connie Cepeda. Thank you to our acting President, Danny Wyatt, our ASNMC advisor, Larry Lee, and our very own Dean of Student Services, Jeanette Villagomez for taking time out of their busy schedule to join us in the swearing in of our new officers.

Philosophy of Education

Quality education for the benefits of a brighter and better future is my driving force behind my decision to become a

teacher. Growing up in an environment where the opportunities were limited made me thrive to question what was

beyond the boundaries that were set. Unfortunately, for a long period of time, this mentality was suppressed due to the

lack of encouragement that I was eventually accustomed to. It was not until my first year of college abroad that I

realized what lay beyond a small rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It was a whole other world filled with

advanced technology, abundant and varying resources, and several windows of opportunity. I was, what state siders

called, culturally shocked. This new world was extremely overwhelming, but this state of shock was not necessarily an

unfortunate event because it brought attention to what was really at grasp. Now, as I go through the process of

becoming a certified and qualified educator, I feel as though I can bring that exact overwhelming state of shock that all

kids of opportunities are at the grasp of any hands, no matter the situation, let it be lack of encouragement or limited

opportunities. Through hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment I believe anyone in the teaching profession

can make a brighter future for the children of the CNMI and everywhere else.

Start Anew...

i've started a blog...
i'm hoping this will be the beginning of a hobby and not an addiction...
but if it should turn out to be one...
i'll embrace it with open arms and a big smile...

pink gem is the birthstone of "my life"...
the word 'star' is something that i'm praying will stick with me til FOREVER...
PINK GEM STAR...yeah, i like the ring to it!