What is UEN? Part 1

What?

What in the world is UEN? This may be a question most people outside education would ask themselves. This week I learned all about UEN (Utah Education Network) and all of the information available to educators. I was again amazed by the collection and volume of sites available for educators to enrich their lessons and help give students access to the latest and most up to date information and teaching methods. As I worked within the UEN website this week I have learned so much and also have realized major differences between UEN compared to that of Google.

So What?

I am excited to go into the field and use this tool to teach. I know it will benefit me now also, as I am going into the core education program this coming fall. UEN will give me access to all of the necessary areas I will be learning about and training in. By being able to gather information and materials before I start teaching I will be more prepared to be successful in teaching. Just in working on the scavenger hunt this week, I was amazed by all of the media and information available for use. I also learned about the quality of the information on the UEN. UEN sources are based on research, and rated on learning levels so a teacher is able to chose appropriate material for each lesson, and not have to worry if there is something inappropriate for her students. I ran into this problem while working on google--while looking up a clip art picture for a project, I ran into nude pictures, just looking for Valentines. I am so glad to learn about UEN and it's sources so I don't have to worry about my students being exposed to inappropriate material.
I liked the ability it gives teachers to stay current on core curriculum and lessons plans used within the district and all over the US and world. I think by seeing all of the options, I will be able to adapt my lesson to fit my students so they can understand. I like all of the information available--amazing. I also like all of the inter actives I can download for my students to use and help them internalize the lessons and concepts I am trying to teach.
I feel like the Pioneer Library also offers students the tools to succeed and be able to research and dig into their reports and subjects and learn everything possible about anything they want to learn about. It's options are limitless.


How will this help?

I am so happy to learn about UEN and be able to be use this site to benefit my students and also help me succeed as an educator. I will be able to connect with all areas of education in Utah, and find the basic curriculum as well as connect with other teachers and collect material for my classroom. By having the UVU students learn these computer skills and learn about UEN I feel that UVU is definitely preparing it's students to be great teachers. I also like the ability it gives teachers to stay in contact with their students and parents. This helps in keeping everyone informed on assignments, what is being taught in class, and what is needed. I also feel that the open collaboration of materials is so helpful to teachers, it's free-and with all of the cuts in education during our recession, we definitely need that. I feel that UEN is a wonderful tool for everyone, students as well as educators.