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.