Wow, I feel like we should give up teaching until the next generation of tech kids become endorsed. There is so much in this 68 page document! I feel like two very different worlds are trying to teach and learn from each other. When I read about all the different interactions, skill development, media influences, problem solving, analysis, etc that goes on in this tech world, I feel extrememly old fashioned in my teaching.
For health we have state standards that relate perfectly with the skills kids are gaining and needing to learn as they interact with technology. These are accessing information, interpersonal communication, analyzing influences, decision making and advocacy. However, we don't have one unit that discusses or analyzes techology issues. In fact, health really views internet time as screen time and advocates reduction. On page 11, the article challenged my thoughts on the effects tech-media has on kids. As I read about the on line simulations that can occur and the first and second world role play activties, I feel like there is a huge participation gap between the kids and I.
Add in the multitasking section, and then I question ADD issues and class management suggestions. Is there a shift in how kids brains are evolving compared to pre tech-media kids? How does this fit in our American School System? When I ask kids to face me and focus on what I am saying, is it really necessary? If a kid can now check out a blog page and still hold an in depth conversation, should expectations for student self-management change?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Technology Integration Reflection #2
Response #2
Data Storage Get Personal, by Niles Rae
I remember using a typewriter for my class assignments. Every time I made a mistake I tossed the paper out. By the end of the evening, I had wasted a lot of paper. Being quite random, I loved when the computer became mainstream for typing papers. I could work on any part of an essay and then cut and paste, delete and spell check, all without wasting one piece of paper. My writing may not have gotten better, but the trees are happier.
This article was great in sharing how far technology has come for students and teachers. There are many things within the article that I have begun trying, such as having students email their assignments or saving their work on the student shared drive.
1. The mp3 players have been wonderful for students who have difficulty reading. Books on tape can be easily downloaded for students who can use them at school, or take them home.
2. The USB drive has been such a life -saver for me. I have a computer at home and at work. This makes it very easy to work both places and transfer information to and from computers. The only frustration I have is that I keep losing them, or sending them through the washing machine. Luckily, the price has gone down.
3. CDs: I remember working at a school that kept portfolios of all students. The portfolios were all paper. So many files and rooms were used for this collection. In the article it talked about how CD’s were used to save student work. Again, space and resources are being saved thanks to technology.
4. Email has been a great way to communicate with others. I think when schools have a protocol and system in place it increases educational outcomes. Communication can be consistently maintained, as well as needs for students shared to people who may not be easily reached.
I liked how this article went through the different developments for data storage. It is amazing to me how much technology is a part of our educational world. Also, the article really shared how technology has really assisted students and teachers in the area of documenting progress, knowledge and ability. Yes, student outcomes can still be accomplished without technology, but I would'nt want to give it up!
Data Storage Get Personal, by Niles Rae
I remember using a typewriter for my class assignments. Every time I made a mistake I tossed the paper out. By the end of the evening, I had wasted a lot of paper. Being quite random, I loved when the computer became mainstream for typing papers. I could work on any part of an essay and then cut and paste, delete and spell check, all without wasting one piece of paper. My writing may not have gotten better, but the trees are happier.
This article was great in sharing how far technology has come for students and teachers. There are many things within the article that I have begun trying, such as having students email their assignments or saving their work on the student shared drive.
1. The mp3 players have been wonderful for students who have difficulty reading. Books on tape can be easily downloaded for students who can use them at school, or take them home.
2. The USB drive has been such a life -saver for me. I have a computer at home and at work. This makes it very easy to work both places and transfer information to and from computers. The only frustration I have is that I keep losing them, or sending them through the washing machine. Luckily, the price has gone down.
3. CDs: I remember working at a school that kept portfolios of all students. The portfolios were all paper. So many files and rooms were used for this collection. In the article it talked about how CD’s were used to save student work. Again, space and resources are being saved thanks to technology.
4. Email has been a great way to communicate with others. I think when schools have a protocol and system in place it increases educational outcomes. Communication can be consistently maintained, as well as needs for students shared to people who may not be easily reached.
I liked how this article went through the different developments for data storage. It is amazing to me how much technology is a part of our educational world. Also, the article really shared how technology has really assisted students and teachers in the area of documenting progress, knowledge and ability. Yes, student outcomes can still be accomplished without technology, but I would'nt want to give it up!
Technology Integration in Education
Response #1- Multimedia Projects for Technology-Rich Classrooms (Varrati, Richard)
"Teachers and students are incorporating technology with their learning experiences with PRIDE and SATISFACTION. You can see it on their faces and in the results of their assignments, reports and projects."
The above quote has a lot of discussion points within it:
1. Teachers at the New Philadelphia City schools have been provided with technology and professional development to learn the systems they are teaching the students: Many schools throughout America do not have access to education or technology. Even within our school district we have inequitable access to technology- Smart boards in one school to chalk/eraser boards in others. The feasibility and usefulness is dependent on the school's technology equipment and education they received. Luckily, within the Corvallis School district there is free and sometimes paid technology education for all staff.
2. Teachers have less time to teach, due to state and federal test time, therefore technology is great because it is able to SPEED up the process steps within a project: What normally would be assigned as homework, can now be quickly completed by using technology devices. Teachers and students are able to receive instant feedback, which speeds up the teaching process. Many times the tools are helpful in classroom management issues because of high interest and ease of technology. For example, for some kids filling out a graph is tedious and difficult, but with the computer it is accomplished quickly and beautifully.
3. Students are able to get immediate results and provide powerful 'showings' of their projects.
4. Teachers are able to capture students at work and ADVERTISE what their class is doing and accomplishing. During a PE conference, one of the presenters talked about using technology within the classroom as a way to promote one's PE program. Many times the PE teacher needs to advertise how successful their class is in order to receive donations, grants or additional funds for their program.
Feasibility issues:
1. In the article, they talked about using PDA's for their science project. One difficulty I found was that when taken outside, a person cannot see the screen on the PDA. This makes it very difficult as a PE teacher who is often outside.
2. In PE, it is suggested to use digital cameras and video recorders. This is great if a teacher has adult helpers who can manage the technology, or trained students. However, a PE teacher adds the variable of multiple balls and other flying devices that could hit and destroy the equipment. I think if a teacher was careful on when and how it was used it could work, but it is still risky.
3. I loved how the article talked about using the LCD projector. This is a new piece of technology our school is hoping to get. I think this projector is a fabulous tool for special education and ESOL teachers because you can place anything under the projector. Out goes the overhead and in comes a book, Petri dish, you name it!
Are Outcomes worth the effort and is there a better way to accomplish desired outcomes?
I think if the teacher is trained and familiar with the technology then it is a great way to teach. Integrating technology within any subject area benefits everyone. The student gains skills, the teacher can increase speed and interest and many times paper and other supplies can be reduced to a minimum.
"Teachers and students are incorporating technology with their learning experiences with PRIDE and SATISFACTION. You can see it on their faces and in the results of their assignments, reports and projects."
The above quote has a lot of discussion points within it:
1. Teachers at the New Philadelphia City schools have been provided with technology and professional development to learn the systems they are teaching the students: Many schools throughout America do not have access to education or technology. Even within our school district we have inequitable access to technology- Smart boards in one school to chalk/eraser boards in others. The feasibility and usefulness is dependent on the school's technology equipment and education they received. Luckily, within the Corvallis School district there is free and sometimes paid technology education for all staff.
2. Teachers have less time to teach, due to state and federal test time, therefore technology is great because it is able to SPEED up the process steps within a project: What normally would be assigned as homework, can now be quickly completed by using technology devices. Teachers and students are able to receive instant feedback, which speeds up the teaching process. Many times the tools are helpful in classroom management issues because of high interest and ease of technology. For example, for some kids filling out a graph is tedious and difficult, but with the computer it is accomplished quickly and beautifully.
3. Students are able to get immediate results and provide powerful 'showings' of their projects.
4. Teachers are able to capture students at work and ADVERTISE what their class is doing and accomplishing. During a PE conference, one of the presenters talked about using technology within the classroom as a way to promote one's PE program. Many times the PE teacher needs to advertise how successful their class is in order to receive donations, grants or additional funds for their program.
Feasibility issues:
1. In the article, they talked about using PDA's for their science project. One difficulty I found was that when taken outside, a person cannot see the screen on the PDA. This makes it very difficult as a PE teacher who is often outside.
2. In PE, it is suggested to use digital cameras and video recorders. This is great if a teacher has adult helpers who can manage the technology, or trained students. However, a PE teacher adds the variable of multiple balls and other flying devices that could hit and destroy the equipment. I think if a teacher was careful on when and how it was used it could work, but it is still risky.
3. I loved how the article talked about using the LCD projector. This is a new piece of technology our school is hoping to get. I think this projector is a fabulous tool for special education and ESOL teachers because you can place anything under the projector. Out goes the overhead and in comes a book, Petri dish, you name it!
Are Outcomes worth the effort and is there a better way to accomplish desired outcomes?
I think if the teacher is trained and familiar with the technology then it is a great way to teach. Integrating technology within any subject area benefits everyone. The student gains skills, the teacher can increase speed and interest and many times paper and other supplies can be reduced to a minimum.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
