Blogs Wikis, Podcasts Chapter 4

I believe Wikis are a good resource to use in the future classroom because they are so versatile and can be used in many different contexts. Before I read this chapter the only thing I knew about Wikis was that Wikipedia was a Wiki. However, I didn’t really know what a Wiki was and how useful they can be in not only society, but also the classroom. This chapter opened up my eyes to some of the possibilities that I could use a Wiki for, while I felt some of the examples were not applicable to my intended age/ grade level I want to teach, I do feel that the basic concepts can be applied.

I personally, if I decided to use a Wiki in my classroom, will use it as a class organizational tool. I believe it is important to have one central place that is easily accessible to look up information. This may include my class syllabus, homework assignments, rubrics, project descriptions and other useful web resources. I also feel that a class Wiki is a great place for students to post their project ideas and projects too and possible final reports. There are many possibilities and as times change I’m sure there will be more and new ideas that I could have my students post to the class Wiki. In addition to major projects and reports/ papers, I feel that the Wiki would also be a good place for students to add notes, resources, and helpful tools so that not only their peers could use them but also future classes. The possibilities are endless on what I could do with my class and Wikis but I do feel it is a useful resource and it is something that, like technology, is always going to be changing.

Exiting Post (Week 7, 10/25/10)

Probably the most useful thing that I gained from class today came from the discussion guides. I really enjoyed the virtual tour website. I know I will definitely use that in my future classroom because it allows visual learning in the classroom. A virtual experience is better than no experience. It’s not always an option to take a class on a field trip to everywhere you want to. For just the brief time that I spent looking at the website, I can tell that there are almost virtual tours from everywhere in the world and for many different things.

After the discussion guides, we took a more in depth look at Scratch. I felt like I learned some more content on how to actually use the program but I still don’t feel that I would use this in my classroom. I did find it interesting how many different things that you could do with the program. I also liked how the instructor took time to give an example in class of many of the basic concepts of the program and demonstrated it. I wish that he would have done more of this for the SMART notebook program and show us different aspects of that as well.

Exiting Post (week 6, 11/18/10)

In class today we talked about some key parts that were in the chapter and how they have affected us. Some of the interesting point that was made was the progression from apprenticeship to universal schooling. We also looked at some of technologies progressions over the course of history. It funny to look back and think how something as simple as the printing press or mass production of paper was considered revolutionary back then. The chapter review presentation was over all pretty good. They hit on a few main key points and acted professional. However, I would have found a way to get the class more interacted in the lesson, and specified that they wanted us to get in our own groups and how to do so. I also feel like they could have found some more outside resourced to use in their presentation. I did like how they used the smart notebook software and exercised their use of it. During the presentation Erin mentioned that during her practicum, 4^th graders were not only learning from the use of SMART boards but they were also creating their own SMART board presentations and sharing them with the class. This really put into perspective just how ahead our students will always be ahead of us as teachers.

After the presentation we began to talk about another program called scratch. I personally did not care for the program and even though the concepts were made simple, I felt that it was very complicated and not worth the time and effort to put into it based on the basic knowledge that will most likely be found. I really do not look forward to working on that assignment for this class.

Exiting Post (10/11/10, Week 5)

The discussion today was on the skeptic’s view of technology. In the discussion we talked about what we considered to be “new technology”. Most of these suggestions were computer, software, or internet related. We then watched a video that gave more of a timeline of what has been considered new technologies over the years. Other points were made that stressed the issues of why it is difficult to incorporate technology in the classroom such as cost, old school vs. new school, and staying updated with the latest and greatest.

For my technology inquiry question, I need to change my interactive “SMART board” to “whiteboard” because SMART board is a brand name.

Rethinking Technology Chapter 3

The Technology Skeptics’ Argument

Technology is constantly changing and will continue to find its way into schools no matter what, especially since it can be such a useful tool the main thing that is holding it back from being in the classroom is how expensive it is and getting older teachers to change their teaching styles. In the beginning of the chapter it gave quotes from over time that now, in today’s world, seem completely bogus. It’s just proof that technology will eventually find its way into the schools and become a main stay for teachers.

 In the eyes of the skeptic, technology is something that will not find its place in the classroom and they believe it to be a distraction. They also have concerns with the increase use of computers in schools because they are afraid of it taking away from the respect and authority of teachers, their credibility and how the classroom is manage. They also argue that technology can not teach some of the basic everyday skills and values that we learn especially in the younger grades. However, technology is already finding its way into schools and will continue to become a large part of how children learn.

New technologies can benefit students because the can be adapted easily to teach on a more personalized level that can focus on each students needs. It also gives immediate feedback to children while learning which is essential to learning. Probably one of the most effective uses of technology is that is supports the more hands on learning style and can be highly interactive. Computers and new technologies can be a very useful tool if used correctly in the classroom and as long as we monitor how it is being used in the classroom I think that it can improve the quality of student’s education. As a teacher such simple things as just walking around the classroom can ensure that students are using computers for instance in an appropriate manor. An interesting quote that I found in the chapter is, “Schools fosters just-in-case learning while technology fosters just-in-time learning. In today’s world where we expect our students to learn so much more and new information in comparison to previous generations, technology is essential to know how to use as a learning tool because we as teachers can not possibly teach our students everything.

Exiting Post (10/4/10, week 4)

In class we played some games that were found online as a part of the group presentation. I felt that these games are good examples of what we can do in a classroom with our students as a fun way to learn and use technology. I added the website to my delicious account because I felt that it was a useful resource for the future. Overall, I felt that it was a very good presentation related to chapter two. I would have maybe talked about the chapter a little more. Also, it would have been nice to have access to the presentation online in some way. We also talked about how Google archives everything that is put online, so be careful of what is put on places like Facebook. This was a good reminder to watch and keep an eye on my electronic footprint. Also, you can use Google advanced search tool to help with credibility by filling in the bottom box labeled “find pages that link to the page”. We also went over how to find SMART board lessons that are already done on SMART board exchange. It was also mentioned that scholastic has lessons for download as well. These could serve as good resources to either use in the classroom or as an example for what to do for future lessons.

Rethinking Technology Chapter 2 Review

I agree with the book, technology is taking over and we as teachers are not “keeping up with joneses”. We are still teaching things in a very, what might be considered ancient, way. Our students are bored because of this technology gap, becoming less engaged in what they are suppose to be learning, thus in return not doing as well in school. I think part of this problem with the lacking technology in the schools is due to funding. Many school districts do not have the money to invest in the latest and greatest technology so that their students can have room for growth in technology. Weather this is right or wrong doesn’t matter, it’s just the facts. I believe that if the schools are having problems with money and can not afford for updates and more or new equipment there are things that can be done. For instance, my school district back home just got all new SMART boards for all the classrooms, but the money came not from the school budget but rather it was raised by the PTS. If parents , teachers and students want and need new technology in their schools then they should take the initiative to get it there. 

I believe that the issue of kids becoming bored in classrooms has always been a problem and always will be. However, with today’s technology there are things that we can do as teachers and resources we can offer so that not only are our students not bored but they are also getting more engaged in learning. One solution for this is investing in computer learning software that teach math, reading, and typing in the form of a fun game that give immediate response. Giving immediate response is crucial to young students and is something we as teacher can not always do. Depending on what style learner a student’s is, you might want to try different types of computer software. For instance, someone who is more of a hands on learner might learn better from a simulation game where they get to control the outcomes of different scenario’s  but not always suffer the consequences if they are negative.

Today’s technology also allows students to discover new experiences, which may allow them to grow as an individual. An example of this is students being given the opportunity to publish their work to the internet were they can real feedback from more than just their student peers and their teacher. This may spark a kids interest to continue to write because they like the way it feels when other people respond and react to their work. It may give motivation to a student who otherwise may have not liked to write but now have their own blog for instance and are constantly writing. For this reason, I believe exposing my students to online publishing could be beneficial for some of my students. I understand that it may not be for everyone and some parents might not approve but in the future, having students publish to the internet via blog or similar publishing means may be a possibility. Learning should be fun and a good way to have learning be fun is through technology. There are many different ways to get students engaged in learning by using technology, and in some cases, more is being learned by doing so.