How can teachers use technology to develop and maintain collegial relationships from a distance?
Teachers can use online resources, such as discussion boards, forums, and blogs to establish relationships with other teachers. Through these online resources, teachers can share classroom ideas, lesson plans, and discuss potential problems within the classroom. It is great if teachers can maintain these collegial relationships, because many other teachers have experienced the same situations, and they may be able to offer assistance for those in need of it. Also, teachers have many great teaching and lesson ideas, and others may greatly benefit from them if they have access through these online resources, especially if they are struggling to think of ways to teach the desired material.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 388-390). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Assessing and Evaluating, Including Portfolios
What assessment methods can be used to evaluate constructivist-learning lessons?
Assessments such as collaborative team projects and projects incorporating technology tools can be used to evaluate constructivist-learning lessons. These types of assessments require rubrics, as they are not traditional assessment methods. Anecdotal records and observations can also be used in these types of project-based assessments, according to the Bitter and Legacy text.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 364-365). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Assessments such as collaborative team projects and projects incorporating technology tools can be used to evaluate constructivist-learning lessons. These types of assessments require rubrics, as they are not traditional assessment methods. Anecdotal records and observations can also be used in these types of project-based assessments, according to the Bitter and Legacy text.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 364-365). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Mathematical Modeling
What is a microworld?
A microworld is similar to simulations except that students are encouraged to think about microworlds as a "real" world environment. Within a microworld, or tiny world, students can "explore alternatives, test hypotheses, and discover facts that are true about that world" (pg. 303).
A microworld is similar to simulations except that students are encouraged to think about microworlds as a "real" world environment. Within a microworld, or tiny world, students can "explore alternatives, test hypotheses, and discover facts that are true about that world" (pg. 303).
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 303). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Games and Virtual Environments
Identify five virtual environments available for classroom use.
- J. Paul Getty Museum website: http://getty.edu/museum/
- River City Science Inquiry Project: http://muve.gse.harvard.edu/rivercityproject/
- Quest Atlantis: http://atlantis.crlt.indiana.edu/
- CliniSpace: http://clinispace.com/
- AquaMOOSE 3D: http://www.cc.gatech.edu/elc/aquamoose/
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Emerging and Assistive Technologies and the Future
Identify five assistive technologies and describe their application.
There are many types of assistive technologies available for students today. The following is a list of just a few:
There are many types of assistive technologies available for students today. The following is a list of just a few:
- FM transmitters - used along with hearing aids or separately by individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing to amplify sound.
- Screen readers - software programs that read text for students who may have difficulty reading, a learning disability, or individuals who are visually impaired.
- Screen magnifiers - magnifies the content on a screen for individuals with visual impairments.
- Adaptive keyboards - used by individuals who may have difficulties with fine motor skills or muscle control.
- Alerting devices - provide visual, often flashing, cues for individuals with hearing impairments.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 99-103). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Technology Integration in the Content Area, Including Early Childhood, Educationally Challenged, and Multidisciplinary Units
What factors must the teacher consider when planning to integrate technology?
In addition to considering factors when formulating learning activities, the text also lists several factors that must be considered when integrating technology into learning activities. The following is a list of some of the factors mentioned in the text:
In addition to considering factors when formulating learning activities, the text also lists several factors that must be considered when integrating technology into learning activities. The following is a list of some of the factors mentioned in the text:
- How will the classroom change as a result of technology integration?
- What type of technology best fits the learning purpose?
- How can an activity meet both curriculum and national technology standards?
- How will students be organized when working on the activity - individually, in pairs, in larger groups?
- What might make a computer the best tool to use for the activity?
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 232-233). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Selecting and Integrating World Wide Web Resources, Including Designing Online Instruction
Why is regular maintenance vital to a quality website?
Regular maintenance is important because it keeps the website up to date. If the website provides links that visitors can click on, these links need to be checked for functionality on a regular basis, say Bitter and Legacy (2008). If visitors click on these links, and they do not function, this looks bad for the organizer of the website. Also, the website should be updated regularly to reflect current knowledge and practices. If the information presented is antiquated, viewers may not feel like the website is a reliable source for information. Teachers especially need to maintain their sites on a regular basis (those who have them). This will allow parents to be current on what is going on in the classroom. It will also aid in providing an open line of communication between school and home.
Regular maintenance is important because it keeps the website up to date. If the website provides links that visitors can click on, these links need to be checked for functionality on a regular basis, say Bitter and Legacy (2008). If visitors click on these links, and they do not function, this looks bad for the organizer of the website. Also, the website should be updated regularly to reflect current knowledge and practices. If the information presented is antiquated, viewers may not feel like the website is a reliable source for information. Teachers especially need to maintain their sites on a regular basis (those who have them). This will allow parents to be current on what is going on in the classroom. It will also aid in providing an open line of communication between school and home.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 232-233). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Planning and Developing Technology-Rich Instruction
In what ways can technology be used in each stage of a lesson?
The text highlights several ways in which technology can be incorporated in lessons. To begin, it suggests using technology in an anticipatory set by projecting a photograph relevant to the lesson found on the Internet. In the modeling stage of a lesson, the authors suggest showing previous students' electronic portfolio examples. Also, during the guided practice stage of a lesson, one idea presented by the authors is to project procedures step-by-step through a computer that projects to a screen or monitor. There are also other ideas presented by the authors for integrating technology during each stage of a lesson. It is evident by these examples, then, that technology is not difficult to implement. Teachers only need to be ready and willing to use it.
The text highlights several ways in which technology can be incorporated in lessons. To begin, it suggests using technology in an anticipatory set by projecting a photograph relevant to the lesson found on the Internet. In the modeling stage of a lesson, the authors suggest showing previous students' electronic portfolio examples. Also, during the guided practice stage of a lesson, one idea presented by the authors is to project procedures step-by-step through a computer that projects to a screen or monitor. There are also other ideas presented by the authors for integrating technology during each stage of a lesson. It is evident by these examples, then, that technology is not difficult to implement. Teachers only need to be ready and willing to use it.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 166-168). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Learning and Teaching with Technology
Identify supportive research that measures the effect of technology on science achievement.
The authors tell us that technology has shown to be beneficial in science instruction. However, technology should be used as a supplement to the curriculum, not as a primary learning tool. In other words, teachers should not rely on technology to do the work for them. The authors write that the most beneficial forms of technology in the science classroom are those that engage students, such as simulations and tutorials. I think these can be beneficial because students can use these resources to gain background knowledge about what to expect from hands-on activities. In one study referenced by Christman and Badgett (1999), it was found that "on average, students receiving traditional instruction supplemented with computer-assisted instruction attained higher science achievement than did those receiving only traditional instruction" (Bitter and Legacy, 2008). It is clear that technology can play an important role in science achievement, as it provides another avenue for student learning.
The authors tell us that technology has shown to be beneficial in science instruction. However, technology should be used as a supplement to the curriculum, not as a primary learning tool. In other words, teachers should not rely on technology to do the work for them. The authors write that the most beneficial forms of technology in the science classroom are those that engage students, such as simulations and tutorials. I think these can be beneficial because students can use these resources to gain background knowledge about what to expect from hands-on activities. In one study referenced by Christman and Badgett (1999), it was found that "on average, students receiving traditional instruction supplemented with computer-assisted instruction attained higher science achievement than did those receiving only traditional instruction" (Bitter and Legacy, 2008). It is clear that technology can play an important role in science achievement, as it provides another avenue for student learning.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 153). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Producing and Presenting, Including Podcasting and Digital Storytelling
What role can digital storytelling play in education?
Digital storytelling can be beneficial in education because it allows another outlet for students to learn. New (2006) states in Bitter's text that "teachers using digital storytelling can make abstract concepts real to their students." Students are able to view stories through the use of video, music, and animations, which adds another dimension to learning. Another benefit to digital storytelling is that students can also collaborate on projects to promote teamwork.
Digital storytelling can be beneficial in education because it allows another outlet for students to learn. New (2006) states in Bitter's text that "teachers using digital storytelling can make abstract concepts real to their students." Students are able to view stories through the use of video, music, and animations, which adds another dimension to learning. Another benefit to digital storytelling is that students can also collaborate on projects to promote teamwork.
Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 356). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues
How can teachers use social networking in the classroom?
Teachers can use social networking much the way it is used in our Computers in Education class. Blogs can be used to increase and improve communication among students, parents, and teachers. Wikis are also helpful for promoting communication, as well as posting assignments and links to websites. However, sites such as these - as well as facebook and myspace - should be used safely. Students and teachers should keep their pages private or protected, so as to protect personal and contact information from unruly people.
Teachers can use social networking much the way it is used in our Computers in Education class. Blogs can be used to increase and improve communication among students, parents, and teachers. Wikis are also helpful for promoting communication, as well as posting assignments and links to websites. However, sites such as these - as well as facebook and myspace - should be used safely. Students and teachers should keep their pages private or protected, so as to protect personal and contact information from unruly people.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Simulations and Data Analysis
What are the benefits of using computer simulations?
Computer simulations can be used to imitate real-life situations for students. The text lists examples such as weather conditions, chemical reactions, biological processes, and product safety testing. These simulations provide experiences for students to observe without perhaps the hazards that come with the situations mentioned above.
Computer simulations can be used to imitate real-life situations for students. The text lists examples such as weather conditions, chemical reactions, biological processes, and product safety testing. These simulations provide experiences for students to observe without perhaps the hazards that come with the situations mentioned above.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Getting to Know the World Wide Web
What are good practice manners to follow when using email?
The text lists several guidelines to follow in regards to email use. Here are just a few: Use all capital letters sparingly, so as to not seem as if you are shouting; Read your messages carefully before you send them, to avoid spelling and grammatical errors, which the text states "can reflect on your intelligence"; Avoid sending messages that say to send them to as many people as possible, or you will die (I added the last part, hahaha); Lastly, be careful with sarcasm, as people are not able to pick up on sarcasm through text. Many of the suggestions seem like common sense, but they are violated all the time. I think the key is, especially if communicating with someone professionally, make sure you follow good etiquette when typing your e-mails, and watch out for errors.
The text lists several guidelines to follow in regards to email use. Here are just a few: Use all capital letters sparingly, so as to not seem as if you are shouting; Read your messages carefully before you send them, to avoid spelling and grammatical errors, which the text states "can reflect on your intelligence"; Avoid sending messages that say to send them to as many people as possible, or you will die (I added the last part, hahaha); Lastly, be careful with sarcasm, as people are not able to pick up on sarcasm through text. Many of the suggestions seem like common sense, but they are violated all the time. I think the key is, especially if communicating with someone professionally, make sure you follow good etiquette when typing your e-mails, and watch out for errors.
Productivity Tools and Application Software
How can productivity software be used for teaching and learning?
Productivity software, such as word processing, is a very beneficial tool in the classroom. Students need to learn how to use this type of software, as they will be required to utilize it for assignments at some point in their education. When I was in school, I didn't spend a whole lot of time on the computer. But now that I am in college, most of my work is done via word processing software, specifically Microsoft Word. When I write papers and complete assignments, I usually start out on the computer without even working on a paper draft. That depends, however, on people's various preferences for writing. The point is that students are eventually required to understand how to use productivity software, so it is helpful if they can become familiar with it at a young age.
Productivity software, such as word processing, is a very beneficial tool in the classroom. Students need to learn how to use this type of software, as they will be required to utilize it for assignments at some point in their education. When I was in school, I didn't spend a whole lot of time on the computer. But now that I am in college, most of my work is done via word processing software, specifically Microsoft Word. When I write papers and complete assignments, I usually start out on the computer without even working on a paper draft. That depends, however, on people's various preferences for writing. The point is that students are eventually required to understand how to use productivity software, so it is helpful if they can become familiar with it at a young age.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Getting Started with Technology
What impact has technology had on educators and education?
Technology is having an ever-increasing impact on education. Teachers are required to learn more about different technologies to meet the demands of a technology-based world. It is important that teachers know about technology as their students will be required to be fluent in technology for many of today's and tomorrow's jobs. This has significantly changed the landscape of education over the past several years.
Technology is having an ever-increasing impact on education. Teachers are required to learn more about different technologies to meet the demands of a technology-based world. It is important that teachers know about technology as their students will be required to be fluent in technology for many of today's and tomorrow's jobs. This has significantly changed the landscape of education over the past several years.
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