I grew up with technology integrated classes throughout my education, and I really believe that technology is a great tool to use in the classroom. Throughout designing this technology integrated unit, my opinion about technology in the classroom only got stronger and much more well rounded. I really enjoyed presenting this technology integrated unit.
Keeping in mind my partner Rebecca and I were making this unit for high school students, I believe we properly incorporated technology and differentiated content and pedagogy.
I thought we presented the information very well using the powerpoint. The powerpoint program allowed our class, Rebecca, and I to not only visualize an outline of our unit, but this particular tool allowed us to link various website links, and videos to differentiate the content given throughout the presentation.
The website, webquest, and esSheets we created also allotted for various process oriented differentiation. The high school students need freedom within their final projects to gain interest, motivate, and get the best possible work. These tools guided the students through the information, rather than implant the information.
Overall, I think we did a great job on this project. I personally could have probably found a better quality trailer for The Great Gatsby movie. Next time I do a unit on The Great Gatsby I will find a better video.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Blog #3
The Key Findings seciton of the Geration M2: Media in the lines of 8-18 years did not surprise me at all.
One thing that I really liked in general about the article was the fact that the authors had used actual datum and statistics to explain their finding. Being a very visual person when it comes to numbers and figures, the charts and graphs were a nice tool to keep me interested, and actually SEE the results, rather than just read about them.
Parental, student, and teacher responsibility came to mind. Initially, I wanted to put everything on the parents. They are the one's who purchase the cable, internet, and mp3 players, they should have some kind of control.
After some reflection, I realized that a student's education is in the hands of everyone: teachers, parents, and most importantly themselves. Teachers are important because they see their students everyday, they (should) know their students well enough to know when they are tired, and when they are not acting to their potential. One way teachers can combat the media use is to give media based assignments. For example: watch this on TV tonight, read this article online, listen to this mp3 on your ipod or computer and be prepared to talk about it in class.
Parents need to be involved in their students' education as well. If not, it puts the stress on both the teacher and even more so, the student. Parents can do many things to limit TV and computer activity. Students love to learn by example. As the parent, shut off, unplug, or even remove the distracting media and do something with your student. Read a book together, set the same reading goals and talk about everything you have read. The TV and computer can be great educating tools too. Watch an interesting show on the history channel, or find interesting articles and send them to your child. Children crave attention, and act out when they don't have attention.
Students have the most important role in being responsible for their own education. Teachers and parents can really help and influence the education, but students have the power to do whatever they choose. The choice to shut off the TV and get homework done should be something the student may not want to do, but chooses to because they want to better themselves and move along.
One thing that I really liked in general about the article was the fact that the authors had used actual datum and statistics to explain their finding. Being a very visual person when it comes to numbers and figures, the charts and graphs were a nice tool to keep me interested, and actually SEE the results, rather than just read about them.
Parental, student, and teacher responsibility came to mind. Initially, I wanted to put everything on the parents. They are the one's who purchase the cable, internet, and mp3 players, they should have some kind of control.
After some reflection, I realized that a student's education is in the hands of everyone: teachers, parents, and most importantly themselves. Teachers are important because they see their students everyday, they (should) know their students well enough to know when they are tired, and when they are not acting to their potential. One way teachers can combat the media use is to give media based assignments. For example: watch this on TV tonight, read this article online, listen to this mp3 on your ipod or computer and be prepared to talk about it in class.
Parents need to be involved in their students' education as well. If not, it puts the stress on both the teacher and even more so, the student. Parents can do many things to limit TV and computer activity. Students love to learn by example. As the parent, shut off, unplug, or even remove the distracting media and do something with your student. Read a book together, set the same reading goals and talk about everything you have read. The TV and computer can be great educating tools too. Watch an interesting show on the history channel, or find interesting articles and send them to your child. Children crave attention, and act out when they don't have attention.
Students have the most important role in being responsible for their own education. Teachers and parents can really help and influence the education, but students have the power to do whatever they choose. The choice to shut off the TV and get homework done should be something the student may not want to do, but chooses to because they want to better themselves and move along.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Blog # 2
Todd Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind implores the misuse of technology in the classroom. Though I personally disagree with him for various reasons, I do believe his issues hold value, but those issues can be solved by the proper use of technology.
One main issue is the improper allocation of technology funding. I agree, so much money is put into the hardware and software aspect of technology without training the teachers to use the tools effectively. I believe the teachers need to be responsible to learn how to use the technology. If I didn't know how to use a calculator, I would teach myself how to use the functions necessary for my class.
Like a hammer to the carpenter, certain tools can aid in one's profession. If the carpenter's boss purchases a nail gun to replace the hammer, and increase productivity; it would be unfortunate if the boss did not give the carpenter directions or a crash course in "how to use a nail gun". The carpenter, being a professional in one's field, should use their prior knowledge and yearning for continuing education in their profession to learn how to use the new technology so they can be a better or more efficient carpenter.
The Alliance for Childhood's Tech Tonic is on the opposite side of the technology in the classroom spectrum in comparison to Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind. I found much of the information in this section to be very straightforward, and a great rebuttal to Oppenheimer. The section that introduces the various flaws in technology reinforces the fact that technology is not a cornerstone in education, but a tool that needs to be manipulated properly to augment education.
One main issue is the improper allocation of technology funding. I agree, so much money is put into the hardware and software aspect of technology without training the teachers to use the tools effectively. I believe the teachers need to be responsible to learn how to use the technology. If I didn't know how to use a calculator, I would teach myself how to use the functions necessary for my class.
Like a hammer to the carpenter, certain tools can aid in one's profession. If the carpenter's boss purchases a nail gun to replace the hammer, and increase productivity; it would be unfortunate if the boss did not give the carpenter directions or a crash course in "how to use a nail gun". The carpenter, being a professional in one's field, should use their prior knowledge and yearning for continuing education in their profession to learn how to use the new technology so they can be a better or more efficient carpenter.
The Alliance for Childhood's Tech Tonic is on the opposite side of the technology in the classroom spectrum in comparison to Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind. I found much of the information in this section to be very straightforward, and a great rebuttal to Oppenheimer. The section that introduces the various flaws in technology reinforces the fact that technology is not a cornerstone in education, but a tool that needs to be manipulated properly to augment education.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Blog 1 : My Personal Philosophy of Education and Technology
My educational philosophy promotes a safe and motivating environment where copious amounts of learning takes place on a daily basis.
Technology is an excellent educational tool. In order for students to be functional members in our society they need to be familiar with the various programs and hardware, and still be flexible enough to adapt to the inevitable changes in technology.
Technology is an excellent educational tool. In order for students to be functional members in our society they need to be familiar with the various programs and hardware, and still be flexible enough to adapt to the inevitable changes in technology.
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