Reflective Post

    Reflective Post

    As this class comes to a close there are many great things, aspects, and resources I will take and use in my classroom as a future teacher. Through various assignments and projects, I was able to receive many different insights on teaching and ideas than I normally would think about or consider. This made me fulfill the learning outcome of Global-social cultural responsibility, because of learning and listening to other insights. My favorite collaborative project I did in this course was the collaborative lesson plan. My partner Daniela was able to meet with me at the library in order to work on the project together rather than through email, which I think made the project a lot easier. But also we were able to work together and come up with a fun and creative lesson plan to teach number placement. I thought it was a great project to work with someone on because you were able to compare strategies that would and would not work.

     I found the other projects that were done individually to be a great way for myself to learn the various programs we had to use, by exploring them in my own way and on my own time. I really enjoyed the projects where we had to explore new software and programs, such as: Blogger, Rubistar, WebQuest, Wiki, Prezi/Powerpoint, Pecha Kucha format, Weeble, and Delicious. Mostly all of these programs I had never previously used before, except for Prezi. I thoroughly enjoyed working and exploring these programs as well as creating lessons, or a better understanding of coursework through these programs. I know I will use many of these programs in order to bring fun and excitement in my classroom. I think this helps me fulfill one of the learning outcomes from the syllabus: Technology/Information Management(TIM):To demonstrate the skills and use the technology necessary to collect,　verify, document, and organize information from　a variety of sources. Another aspect of the class that I will carry on into my classroom are the lessons within the textbook. Although the ideas and lessons within the textbook are just the basic introduction, many of them get you to think and research deeper, also through our individual projects we were able to research deeper. My favorite chapter when it came to the textbook was Chapter 10, because it really made me realize how many different multimedia technologies there are that can be used within the classroom, in order to have a fun and relevant classroom. Also, it made me recognize how many great resources their are for teachers. Through all of these different forms of assessment I was able to fulfill yet another learning outcome: Critical Thinking, by viewing, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating.
 

   I really enjoyed this online course, better than others I have taken. It was very easy to maneuver around, and Professor Coleman was always quick to respond if I had any questions or concerns. The one thing I may suggest or may see room for improvement is the amount of different projects. With some projects I felt as though I was doing the same thing just in a different program. It seemed sometimes repetitive. But I did thoroughly enjoy this class and as I continue my journey into elementary education I know that this has a prepared me for the basic use of technology within my classroom.

     Resources:
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.
Monza, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/secure-edge-networks-blog/bid/51752/5-Reasons-Technology-in-the-Classroom-Engages-Students
 

Chapter 11: Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

Chapter 11: Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

Focus Question:
How can students become actively involved in assessment and evaluation using technology?

One way to keep students actively involved is by allowing them to work with the teacher in a way that allows them to have a say in how they learn and are evaluated. You can provide the students with online surveys in order to pre-assess their knowledge, in order to see where each student stands on the topic. Also by allowing students to work with one another in groups in order to come to conclusions and make decisions. Having a student self reflect on their work or the lesson, as well as allowing the student to assess themselves along with their classmates, peer assessment.

Tech Tool: 11.2: Online Survey Building Resources

Zoomerang and Surveymonkey may not be websites we hear of or access on a day to day basis. Yet, when trying to come up with a poll or survey you may want to use in your classroom in order to provide a pre-assessment for your students these websites provide you with that opportunity. On these websites you can search for a specific poll or even create your own. These are very good resources to allow your students to incorporate technology into their assessments. Below is a sample of a survey provided through the program of Survey Monkey.






Summary & Connection:

I believe the best classroom is built off of teamwork. I think the teacher and students should work together in deciding what will work best in the class, and allow the students to achieve their full potential, while it is known that the teacher still holds control. I hope to have a classroom that my students feel I allow them and provide them a great and fun environment to succeed and I think through allowing the student to have a say in how they learn is an important aspect to teaching and learning.

Resources:
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.
saltysolutions / Survey Monkey. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://saltysolutions.pbworks.com/w/page/13088502/Survey%20Monkey

Chapter 9: Creating and Sharing Information with Multimedia Technologies

Chapter 9: Creating and Sharing Information with Multimedia Technologies

Focus Question: How can teachers use video resources in their teaching?

Videos in the classroom today are such a vital and important part of learning. Videos can be made to grab the attention of students and even be interactive, rather than just listing fact after fact. Many teachers now can use videos for an array of things, to introduce a new topic, to reinforce the importance of a topic, keep students interested, and even as rewards in the classroom. Videos are incorporated not only through students watching them on a television screen, but know you can watch videos of YouTube educational websites, on the SmartBoard, in so many different ways that students have no way of being bored of videos if teachers use them the right way! Videos can be used for students to write down what they think is important from the videos, as well as be involved in the video through interactive videos.

 

Tech Tool: 9.2- Film, Video, and Streaming Video Resources for Teachers

This tech tool provides examples of many resources of different forms and types of videos that teachers can use in order to peak and keep the interest of the students in the material the teacher is covering. There are also a couple of sites where teachers can share and connect with other teachers, videos they have used and enjoyed in their classroom. PBS provides a great website for tons of information including many videos for teachers to use in the classroom.

 

Summary & Connection:

I think with the expanding world of technology, the way videos have changed and advanced has really expanded the way teachers can use them with in the classroom. I just remember when I was in school most videos we watched in the classroom were very dry and to the point, not very interactive or fun, but now videos have become an exciting way for students to learn and retain information. Videos also allow the students to see the material in a different way than the teacher may be presenting it, therefore meeting the needs of multiple learning styles.

 

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

PBS Teachers | Resources For The Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/teachers

 

Chapter 10: Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

Focus Question: How can teachers use technology to create universally designed classrooms?

 

Teachers have mostly full range in their classroom. They are allowed to decide how the classroom is set up and seating arrangements, as well as the diversity in teaching lessons. All of these settings and aspects of the classroom can be changed or redesigned in order for the needs of all students are met. The main two structures of the classroom are the physical and the academic curriculum, both of these can be tailored by the teacher to what they see as best fit. This is done with 3 level of using technology: The first level is “Low Tech,” meaning making changes in the classroom that are simply and inexpensive as well as not incorporating any technology or electronic materials. The second level is “Mid Tech,” were the teacher makes a significant change in academic curriculum through the use of technology. The third level is “High Tech,” where the teacher changes the curriculum and physical structure of the classroom with the use of many different technologies.

Tech Tool: 10.1 Extra-Large and Online Calculators

I thought this tech tool was really interesting because the calculator the talk about is something that is going to grab the attention and interest of any student. It is also useful because of its size that visually impaired students are able to use it as well, making them feel a part of the group and not left out. Because of its size students are going to remember better because it is such a “big” deal. But now more and more teachers are pulling up calculators that can be placed onto a smartboard screen or on a projector for the whole class to see, the individual calculators give the students the chance to experience it individually.

 

Summary and Connection:

I thought this chapter was very helpful in understanding all of the different ways you can change and redesign your classroom in order to accommodate all students as well as keep it an interesting and fun environment. I plan as a teacher letting student’s use to full advantage the smartboard letting them physically come up drag and drop and answer. I really have the hope that my students will be aware and acknowledgeable about the different technologies that I will use in my lessons.

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Tech Tools » Online Calculator. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cindymctechtools.edublogs.org/2008/06/08/online-calculator/

Chapter 8: Communicating and Networking with Websites, Blogs, Wikis, and More

Chapter 8: Communicating and Networking with Websites, Blogs, Wikis, and More

 

Focus Question: How can teachers use wikis to promote collaborative learning?

Wikis came about in the 1990’s and have revolutionized the online learning strategies. Rather than teachers having to create fun lessons and project ideas by themselves wikis allow an opportunity to allow teachers to search other wikis and as well receive feedback and on their wikis. Wiki also provides other to change and update their ideas onto a wiki. This creates a corroborative learning environment, not only are multiple teachers involved in creating a wiki but students also get to interact with other students in order to complete the lesson provided by the wiki. It provides a collaborative effort for learning and working together in order to accomplish something. Also wikis provide a collaborative lesson for the teacher and students in order to work together.

 

Tech Tool 8.1: Teacher Website and Blog-building Resources

I think if I were to use a Commercially Available Template in my classroom it would be extremely beneficial and safe for myself and my students. I would be able to produce blogs and sites my students could access for lessons and project plans, ideas, and resources for help with projects and further understanding for lessons and projects. Task stream seems like an easily understandable website to maneuver.     

Summary and Connection:

Wikis and teacher blogs would definitely something I would use in my classroom in the future. Not only are they helpful for teachers, and allow other teachers and professionals to give input but, but it also provides a fun and collaborative way for students to work together and more importantly learn in a fun way.

Resources:

Task Stream Retrieved from: www.spcc.edu 

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 7: Problem Solving and Inquiry Learning with Software and Web Tools

Focus Question: How can teachers use computer games and simulation as learning resources?

Being a kid is all about having fun right? And when kids want to have fun they play games, whether that be a board game, a game they make up or a game using a technology source, kids love playing games. So why not bring games and simulations into the learning place. By students playing computer games and using different simulations it teaches them a few things: it teaches them to follow rules, how to recognize and achieve goals, how to handle and manage competition as well as the objective of the lesson the game would support. By using games in the classroom it provides the teacher and students with fun interactive reinforcements of a specific lesson. Although allowing games to be played in the learning place is a much debated topic, I think it were we are in the generation of students and technology. Games and computers are the main interests of kids, and if used properly in the classroom I don’t see the problem with it, it is more of an advantage than a disadvantage.

Tech Tool: 7.2- A Math Learning Game- Zoombinis Logical Journey

This tech tool provides a great example of a fun interactive educational game, Zoombinis Logical Journey. The game includes a variety of made up, interesting creatures that are designed with crazy fun colors in which the player can create. The Zoombinis are residents of a community that are taken over by bad business people and become enslaved; in order for the Zoombinis to escape they must go through a series of obstacles, which are critical thinking and mathematic questions. This game unfortunately is not free, but is an example of a great educational game for elementary education. This a link to an introduction video to the game: http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/nz6lbe/zoombinis--logical-journey-intro-

Summary and Connection:

I believe that the generation of kids and students that are in and coming into the schools become bored much easier than when I was a child or student. Therefore when I become a teacher I want my students to be intrigued and excited about coming to my classroom and computer games and simulations will help me do that. Not only is it fun for the students but it will reinforce what I have taught or what we may be covering in class. My class will be full of interactive games, technology based and team work based games. 

Resources:

Grocer, T. (2011, May 25). Video - Zoombinis: Logical Journey Intro. | GameTrailers.GameTrailers for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PSP, PSN and More | Upcoming Video Games. Retrieved March 1, 2013, from http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/nz6lbe/zoombinis--logical-journey-intro-

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 6: Teaching with Educational Websites and Other Online Resources

Focus Question: How might educational websites provide interactive and engaging learning experiences for students?

In today’s generation of children, they are not simply entertained with playing outside all day, or playing card and board games without being “bored.” With the advance in technology children are more intrigued by staring at a screen and using the simple motion of the swipe of a finger, and can remain entertained for hours on end. So if children are now more interested and entertained with touch screens and fictional characters, don’t you think we should bring that into the classroom?!

Since children are so interested and entertained in technology based games and apps, people have figured out that educational websites would be a great addition to the internet. With the creation of educational websites you provide an array of opportunities not only for the students but also for the teachers. By a teacher providing the students to learn not only through classroom verbal lessons, but also provide the students with the opportunity to learn the lessons with fictional characters, and fun interactive games. (Example: Jimi-Rocks: under the sea adventure, interactive website) 

With these games and characters it allows the students to make connections to the lesson while also getting to play an educational game. Also it provides different aspects of a lesson providing different ways to interpret and understand the lesson. Educational websites are also beneficial to teachers. It provides somewhat of a breathing time in the classroom as well as provides the students with different and fun ways to learn.

Tech Tool: An Interactive Online Field Trip: The Cave of Chauvet-Pont-D’Arc

This website was amazing. It was very cool to take an “online field trip.” This website was very interactive, and you can also tell that it is maintained and well kept up. This would be the type of website I would definitely use in my class room as a future teacher; I think students would love it.

Summary and Connections:

This chapter made me realize that there are more resources now for teachers and students in order to keep students interested in learning and teachers excited about teaching and changing lives. Technology provides a whole new way to learn and teach, and since it is always changing and expanding, it makes the classroom continually change, and with that there are more and more ways to entertain and teach students. 

Resources:

Underwater Learning – Interactive Educational Site. (n.d.). Educational Technology Blog | Think Online Education. Retrieved February 22, 2013, from http://thinkonline.smarttutor.com/underwater-learning-interactive-educational-site/

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 5: Researching and Evaluation Internet Information

Focus Question: What are search engines and how do they work?

Students today, definitely in middle high school and college, have to have access to computers and the internet in order to succeed. Most research now is done online and without access to technology students have a higher chance of failing. But when students need to write a paper or start a project, how do they know where to search and what to search for?

What most students and teachers do when they need to research something or look something up on the internet, they immediately go to a search engine. A search engine is a software program that combines many different networks to retrieve information that is being researched from different databases (Maloy,p.119). The tricky and convenient thing about a lot of everyday search engines, is that they are very fast, but bring up hundreds and thousands of results which can be very accurate and scholarly or can be written by someone next door with no expertise on the topic. This makes search engines convenient but problematic.

Search engines do bring up many links on a specific topic but again, you have to be aware to what to look for in order for the website to be a scholarly or appropriate. It is important to be able to analyze and retrieve the scholarly websites for the search. (Maloy, p.199) Teachers also have access to many specialized websites.

Tech Tool: 5.2 Customizing Your Web Browser with iGoolgle

The tech tool is one of the coolest so far, I think. iGoogle is a completely customizable to the user, based on interest or what they want readily accessible every time they come to page. They can add features such as the weather, news, and links to favorite web pages and other fun features!  This can be very useful for teachers in order for them to keep their favorite and important websites along with news and other things and not have to waste time pulling up the websites, it’s all there on their customizable page.  Below is an example of a customized iGoogle page.                  

                                                                                                                         

Summary and Connection:

I found this chapter to be very helpful and insightful. I now realize how important it is to understand search engines and how they work. Also how to interpret scholarly websites in order to write a scholarly paper. Search engines have become second nature, brought on by the internet, therefore it is important for us to know how to use them appropriately!

Resources:

 Haselton, T. (2012, July 3). Google to Kill off iGoogle | TechnoBuffalo. TechnoBuffalo. Retrieved from http://www.technobuffalo.com/2012/07/03/google-to-kill-off-igoogle/

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 4: Integrating Technology and Creating Change

Focus Question: How does technology promote educational change?

Technology promotes educational change on an array of levels. First off, technology, for mostly every person, is a daily thing, whether a child is playing a game on their parent’s Smart phone, Tablet or computer, everyone is engulfed in technology. With children being fully submerged in technology from the time they are born makes for a new way children are and must learn. Since technology is everywhere around us and most children can operate technology better than most adults, should not we incorporate technology into the classroom, more than used for A.R. testing?

                With the technology today a simple PowerPoint presentation that I grew up with in high school can now be transformed into something that is more than words on a screen. Students could go up to the board and physically write on it and interact through smart boards. There are pens that can record lectures/ voices, along with recording every word that is written with the ability to plug it into your computer and transform those notes into a word document. Although it may be financially “impossible” for a school to buy a classroom set of tablets, it may be something tax payers and county/state officials may want to reconsider, because this is the generation we are in, one that students learn through this technology, because humans have made things so advanced that a paperback textbook just will not and cannot hold the interest of a fifth grader. Without a change soon within the schools, by providing students with the technology they NEED,  we will soon find a decline in school interest and a decline in passing students, because we are not providing students with the materials, technology that they need.

Tech Tool: Online Technology Integration Resources

Edutopia:                                                                                                                                                      

I found this tech tool to be very interesting and helpful. Edutopia.org is a website that provides articles and blogs about how to integrate technology within your classroom to make it a fun and interactive way for your students to learn, and also for you as a teacher. It also provides grade levels, of what will and would not work technology wise in that specific grade level. There are many interesting articles and responses to explore.

Summary and Connection:

            I found this chapter to be very interesting and rather helpful. This chapter just showed me how important it is for technology to be welcomed and used within the schools and the classroom. It also made me think about how if change doesn't happen soon, where technology is not being used to its fullest potential how it could possible hurt or future students. Our world and definitely this country is turning, if not already, a technology based world/country, and if are students are being left behind in the schools by not having access to that technology; it can really push them back when they get into real life and real job situations. I just know I do not want to be a teacher that is holding my students back in any way possible, I want them to use technology to their fullest advantage!

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Roberge, M. (2013, January 23). Kids and Thier Computers. Salt Lake City Bookkeeping | Small Business Bookkeeper Salt Lake City. Retrieved February 7, 2013, from http://www.slcbookkeeping.com/blog/bid/112687/4-Piss-Poor-Excuses-For-Not-Succeeding-In-Business (Photo)

Chapter 3: Developing Lessons with Technology


Focus Question: What is meant by "lesson development using technology"?

Lesson development is the process in which teachers use to make/ create a lesson, the way the teacher teaches the lesson, and also the teacher’s evaluation process to make sure the student is understanding and grasping the lesson. By using various technology resources, the teacher can involve technology to help with each step of the lesson development.

                The first step of lesson developing with technology is figuring out what to teach, or the curriculum. A majority of the curriculum is provided to the teacher by different standards coming from national, state, local, and the school standards. The teachers are given the broad outlines of what must be covered in their specific grade and subjects, but they still get to choose the precise lesson and what they think needs to be taught to their students, based on the outlined standards. Technology helps teachers with this part of the development process because they can access the internet, where they can find the required curriculum, research the lesson more, and associate with other teachers getting ideas of what and how to teach the lesson.

                The second step of the lesson developing with technology is the instruction of the lesson, or how the teacher will teach the lesson. In this part of the development goals are set up in order to set what needs to be accomplished by the end of the lesson. The method of teaching then comes next, how will the lesson be taught? This is where the teacher can bring in the use of technology, the lesson can be administered through a PowerPoint, Prezi, SmartBoard, Interactive videos and games, and many other technology based programs or devices.  And finally the procedures the teacher uses in order to give them an estimated time that the lesson will take.

                The third and final step of the lesson developing using technology is the assessment portion, or the evaluation of what students have learned. The assessment is important to make sure students have learned and understand what has previously been taught to them. Assessments can be given before, during, or after the lesson, to evaluate what they know before starting the lesson, what they are learning during, and what they have mastered and know after the lesson. These assessments do not have to be administered through the expected multiple choice test, with the technology we have today, we can evaluate a student’s understanding by online testing, “digital portfolios, personal response systems, online surveys,” also through web based research projects. Technology provides students with mass amounts of information on any topic, in which they can research and learn more about through interactive games, etc. 

Tech Tool Links: Online Resources for Lesson Planning: Thinkfinity, PBS Teachers, and Gliffy

         

              I really enjoyed this tech tool, particularly the Thinkfinity website. On this website you can find lesson plans, lesson ideas, you can ask for opinions and help from other teachers, and also find links to fun and interactive websites.                                                                                             

                                   

This photo is from http://americanhistory.si.edu/presidency/home.html  , on Thinkfinity I researched how to teach the american presidents, and the link it provided me with, provided above, took me to a very fun and interactive website, which students can learn explore the lives of the presidents  and play games to learn more about the presidents. I would definitely use Thinkfinity when making up lesson plans.

Summary and Connection: 

          

           This chapter really opened my eyes on how much a techer has to consider and prepare for just one lesson. How much thought is put into a lesson is incredible, and something I never appreciated from my own teachers when I was younger, now I know how much they put into their lesson plans in order to keep us intrigued and inersted, while also learning new things. I can not wait to make fun and interactive lessons for my students, while using technology in order for them to connect more with the lesson. 

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Smithsonian American History. (2013) Objects from the Presidency. Retrieved from: http://americanhistory.si.edu/presidency/home.html.

Chapter 2: Transforming Learning with Unique,   Powerful Technology

Focus Question: How do students use technology for learning visually?

Unlike when I was growing up, when the visual learning came (mostly) from a two-dimensional photo in a book or on a sheet of paper, it is easy to say that practically every classroom holds at least one computer if not enough computers for each student, which provides a visual tool for learning. Not only may a classroom have computers but they may also have SmartBoards, Video projectors, microscopes and many other visually appealing devices. 

With these technologies students can now see things from different perspectives rather than just one perspective in a book photo or graph. On computers, laptops and tablets students can be put into the middle of a situation, environment or simulation; this involves the students directly, and gives students the sense of being there. We live in a three-dimensional world and can’t be expected to learn and be interested and intrigued by two-dimensional lessons. (Maloy, pg. 40)  

Technology provides a new way for visual learners to grasp and learn in a better and more understanding environment. “Visual learners are those who learn things best through seeing them. Often, visual learners will find that information "clicks" when it is explained with the aid of a chart or picture.” (Fleming)  By using technology in order to teach a visual learner, you are allowing that student to explore graphs, diagrams, photos, etc., in new and multi-dimensional way. With these new ways for these students to explore and learn, it provides for exciting lessons and the students actually wanting to learn and remember the information. When a student can make a connection and show an interest in the lesson, imakes for a lesson that they will not forget right when they leave the classroom.  
                                                                                                                                                                        Tech Tool Links: Web Resources for Visual Learners

        

This tech tool has to be one of my favorites so far in the textbook. The websites that it provided were very helpful and can be used for many different classrooms and grade levels. The websites provide for fun and interactive lessons and provide that chance for a visual learner to actually understand what is being taught. My favorite website was http://visual.merriam-webster.com, where the above diagram is from. I really enjoyed looking through this website because it provided bright colored, detailed diagrams and even audio visuals in some subject areas. I think rather than looking in a regular book dictionary for a definition, this website provides not only the definition in words but also through a visually appealing photo or diagram allowing the students to learn by seeing not reading. 

                                                                                                                                                 Summary and Connection:

 This chapter really made me realize how much I wish I could have had the technologies teachers and students have now. I think I would have been more interested in school and learning. This chapter made me realize how important technology is for a student in today society. Students in this generation do not go home and want to pick up a book and look at the pictures, they want to grab an Ipad or laptop and play multi-dimensional games. I now realize how important it is to bring that into the classroom in order for the student to get into learning, and remembering the lesson. 

As a teacher I plan on using technology not only for my advantage but also for the students. Technology has the power to make students learn things in different ways, and for teachers to use that tool to make an impact on their students lives. 

Resources:

Fleming, G. F. (2011, 3 12). Visual learning Retrieved from                                                                                                        http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/visual.htm

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon. 

Merriam- Webster (2013) Section of the Earth's Crust. Retrieved from http://visual.merriam-webster.com/earth/geology/section-earths-crust.php#mountain-range9212

Chapter 1: Becoming an e- Teacher

 Focus Question: How do new technologies create new opportunities for teaching and     learning?

             Today’s generation of children are born into a world of technology. They can’t recall a time when they actually played outside from the time they woke up until the dinner bell was rung. They don’t remember computers that were the heavy square boxes, and internet that  you had to wait for dial up to connect to. They are born where the Television they watch is as thick as our textbook and the computers and tablets can easily fit in a backpack or purse and responds to a simple touch or swipe of their finger.

 

             With these new technologies it takes adults days or weeks to figure out a new program or device, children have mastered them in a matter of 5 minutes, and are absolutely consumed by it. With children being able to learn these programs and devices so quickly and being so interested in them, shouldn't we incorporate what interests them in our classrooms? I think so. 

            “Technology is... a powerful way to motivate and engage students.”(Maloy, p.9) Technology can be used in fun and creative ways for both the teacher and the students.  “Two- thirds of high school students report feeling bored in … classes every day.” ( Maloy, p.10) By using SmartBoards, computers and tablets, students would stay intrigued and interested in the lessons. With these technologies students and teachers are forced to be interactive with one another. Letting a third grader learn multiplication tables using a computer or and Ipad, would keep them interested and wanting to keep learning. This makes learning fun for the students, which in return allows the teacher to have fun as well. When a student is excited about learning it makes the teacher more excited to teach and vice versa.   

             Also, technology can make for a more comfortable feeling classroom. When a teacher  knows the technology and can relate to students on that level, it gives students the feeling of comfort and relate ability. This will also lead to more interaction between the students and teachers. Which to me is one of the most important concepts of being a teacher, being able to relate and connect with students on many levels.

Tech Tool Link: Ultraportable Laptop Computers

         

              

     This Tech Tool made some really great points that are valid for both teachers and students. With as much work we do in a day, writing papers, researching, making lesson plans, listening and taking notes for lectures, it is a smart idea to have a portable laptop or tablet. With an Ultrportable Laptop we would be able to do all of those previously listed things whee ever we are. 

Summary and Connection:

         Although this chapter had quite a bit of information, I found it to be very interesting and eye opening. Most of the statistics in this chapter really threw me for a loop, and some of them made me sad. No child should go to school thinking "I hate school, it is so boring." Technology is out there for everyone to use, so why not use it in the classroom when we know students will love using it, and will stay connected and interested? 

         Before reading this chapter, I was somewhat on the fence of allowing a bunch of technology into schools, because it could be a distraction, but after reading this chapter I've realized it's not a distraction if used properly, and really gets the students involved and interested, and also gets the teacher to interact more with the students. I cannot wait to start teaching and interacting with my students on a totally different level than I ever experienced while in school. 

Resources:

Bright, P., (2012) The not very tabletly Windows 8 tablets of IFA. Arstechnica.com (Blog, Photo)

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.