Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Revised Belief about Technology
My belief about technology in education is that it should be utilized by teachers and students. Technology is an evergrowing element that students are experiencing everyday. It is our job as teachers to take the concept of supporting education with technology and use it with our students to help enhance the concepts being taught. I believe that technology is a wonderful addition to our education system and should be used and embraced by teachers whenever possible throughout the day in our schools.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Chapter 10
Assessing Meaningful Learning: Authentic and Performance Assessment
Authentic assessment forces teachers to rethink assessments. It makes teachers align activities and what is being assessed. Performance assessment is when a teacher asks a student to perform a certain skill. I think both of these assessments are used in classrooms today. Many teachers are aware and sometimes not aware that they are using these types of assessment. What’s important about these two types of assessment is that they assess meaningful learning which is what should be happening in the classroom. Both of these types of assessment can be done with paper and pencil or through different types of technologies. This chapter does an excellent job in presenting different technologies that can be used to achieve the purposes of assessments. In the future I will use both of these assessments in the classroom, whether it is through the clicker system, computer tests, or portfolios online.
Technology-Based Assessments
Teachers who combine assessment and technology can make data easier to manage and a little easier to prepare and give. This type of assessment allows teachers to see if students understand the material right away and it also takes a lot of the hard work out of grading students’ tests. The only downfall I see with using only technology-based assessments is that students will not be able to expound on their answers as much. Most of the time these types of assessments will only ask students to choose the right answer instead of asking them to describe how or why they got the answer they did. Teachers need to be aware that in order to fully understand whether students understand what they have learned they must also be assessed by explaining and using their knowledge in other contexts.
Do you think teachers should only use technology-based assessments or something else?
Assessing Growth over Time with Electronic Portfolios
After reading this section I knew that I really wanted to use this in my future classroom. This type of assessment is so creative and something that students would really enjoy working on and seeing over time. E-portfolios are very similar to paper portfolios in that they are some sort of “folder” or “file” that keeps work over a certain period of time for students to see their progress. Instead of paper copies of things, e-portfolios keep electronic artifacts and documents. A huge benefit with using this is that students will be able to see their progress over time and can see how well they have improved on different projects. E-portfolios can be used through websites on the internet. A website that students and teachers could use is Microsoft Front Page. This website is very useful and user-friendly for both the teacher and students. These types of portfolios are called working portfolios, but there are also in standards-based portfolios and external evaluation portfolios. In the future I will definitely use this type of assessment in my classroom. This will help to promote meaningful learning with students. I will use portfolios over a year long period with important projects. I will also use this with different content-based projects that might last a couple of weeks. Not only can the teacher and students benefit from using this type of technology but also this can be used for parents to check on students’ work and see what is happening in the classroom. Teachers can give assess to students parents and guardians to see what is happening in the classroom.
http://www.eportfolio.org/
Assessing Performance with Technology-Based Rubrics
Rubrics are so important for both students and teachers. Teachers need to have guidelines on how to grade and students need guidelines on how to complete the assignment. This section of the reading was a bit new to me. I was aware of using rubrics in the classroom but was not aware of the options that teachers had to choose a rubric to use in the classroom. The first option for teachers to use is using a rubric bank. In this teachers will find a rubric that has already been made and change their activity to fit this rubric. This option is great on teachers because it will save teachers time by finding and using an already used rubric. Another option for using rubric is using a program to make your own rubric to match your activity. This can be a bit more time consuming but can be useful because it was made for the activity. A program or website that can be used to help make a rubric is Rubric Processor. This has a step-by-step process to help teachers through the process of making a rubric. In the future I will use both of these options in my classroom. I know that there will be times when I have projects that are new and creative and won’t have a rubric, so I will have to make one. I will also use rubrics that have been used for projects. The good thing about this is that I will extra time to devote to something else, because we all know that teachers are pressed for time.
http://ide.ed.psu.edu/ITSC/RubrProc/H_rubric.htm
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/rubrics.shtml
Clicker Assessment Tools
This is not the first time I have heard about clickers. In college I have used these in many of my classes. We used them for quizzes, attendance, and questions during lessons. This concept of using this in the classroom is one that I will definitely consider in the future. By using this I can see if students understand right away and can get students actively involved in learning. Students will love to use these because they are actively participating in the lesson by giving their input. I also like to hear that these devices allow for students to be intrinsically motivated. A main goal of teachers is to encourage and get students to be intrinsically motivated to do something. Sometimes this can be difficult and if a teacher could use something as inexpensive as this they should. In the future I will uses these for pre-tests before I begin a lesson, for attendance at the beginning of the day (like an interesting question at the beginning of the day for the students to think about), or during the lesson for a discussion. By using this during the lesson, I will be able to see if students have comprehended the concepts and also allow for discussion among students.
In what ways could clickers be used in the classroom?
Assessing Learning with Computer-Based Tests and Surveys
This section was a bit unfamiliar for me. I have heard of this but didn’t know to what extend this could be used in the classroom. These types of tests can be useful for the teacher because they can get results faster. The problem that I see with using these with student is that it doesn’t seem motivating or interesting to the student. An application that can help with this is called computerized adaptive testing or CAT. This was interesting to learn about because this application can adapt to the student that is taking it. The level of the questions can change so that the students are challenged but don’t get frustrated when answering. This is very interesting to me and seems to be useful. The only downfall is this is very expensive to use. Other assessments that are computer-based are surveys and polls like survey monkey. This can also be used to assess students understanding while still getting them involved. I will definitely use this assessment survey in my classroom. I would use it during class and after class. I can use this for homework, and students will have to answer the questions after school to see if comprehension and understand took place from the lesson.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
http://www.polleverywhere.com/
http://echo.edres.org:8080/scripts/cat/catdemo.htm
Authentic assessment forces teachers to rethink assessments. It makes teachers align activities and what is being assessed. Performance assessment is when a teacher asks a student to perform a certain skill. I think both of these assessments are used in classrooms today. Many teachers are aware and sometimes not aware that they are using these types of assessment. What’s important about these two types of assessment is that they assess meaningful learning which is what should be happening in the classroom. Both of these types of assessment can be done with paper and pencil or through different types of technologies. This chapter does an excellent job in presenting different technologies that can be used to achieve the purposes of assessments. In the future I will use both of these assessments in the classroom, whether it is through the clicker system, computer tests, or portfolios online.
Technology-Based Assessments
Teachers who combine assessment and technology can make data easier to manage and a little easier to prepare and give. This type of assessment allows teachers to see if students understand the material right away and it also takes a lot of the hard work out of grading students’ tests. The only downfall I see with using only technology-based assessments is that students will not be able to expound on their answers as much. Most of the time these types of assessments will only ask students to choose the right answer instead of asking them to describe how or why they got the answer they did. Teachers need to be aware that in order to fully understand whether students understand what they have learned they must also be assessed by explaining and using their knowledge in other contexts.
Do you think teachers should only use technology-based assessments or something else?
Assessing Growth over Time with Electronic Portfolios
After reading this section I knew that I really wanted to use this in my future classroom. This type of assessment is so creative and something that students would really enjoy working on and seeing over time. E-portfolios are very similar to paper portfolios in that they are some sort of “folder” or “file” that keeps work over a certain period of time for students to see their progress. Instead of paper copies of things, e-portfolios keep electronic artifacts and documents. A huge benefit with using this is that students will be able to see their progress over time and can see how well they have improved on different projects. E-portfolios can be used through websites on the internet. A website that students and teachers could use is Microsoft Front Page. This website is very useful and user-friendly for both the teacher and students. These types of portfolios are called working portfolios, but there are also in standards-based portfolios and external evaluation portfolios. In the future I will definitely use this type of assessment in my classroom. This will help to promote meaningful learning with students. I will use portfolios over a year long period with important projects. I will also use this with different content-based projects that might last a couple of weeks. Not only can the teacher and students benefit from using this type of technology but also this can be used for parents to check on students’ work and see what is happening in the classroom. Teachers can give assess to students parents and guardians to see what is happening in the classroom.
http://www.eportfolio.org/
Assessing Performance with Technology-Based Rubrics
Rubrics are so important for both students and teachers. Teachers need to have guidelines on how to grade and students need guidelines on how to complete the assignment. This section of the reading was a bit new to me. I was aware of using rubrics in the classroom but was not aware of the options that teachers had to choose a rubric to use in the classroom. The first option for teachers to use is using a rubric bank. In this teachers will find a rubric that has already been made and change their activity to fit this rubric. This option is great on teachers because it will save teachers time by finding and using an already used rubric. Another option for using rubric is using a program to make your own rubric to match your activity. This can be a bit more time consuming but can be useful because it was made for the activity. A program or website that can be used to help make a rubric is Rubric Processor. This has a step-by-step process to help teachers through the process of making a rubric. In the future I will use both of these options in my classroom. I know that there will be times when I have projects that are new and creative and won’t have a rubric, so I will have to make one. I will also use rubrics that have been used for projects. The good thing about this is that I will extra time to devote to something else, because we all know that teachers are pressed for time.
http://ide.ed.psu.edu/ITSC/RubrProc/H_rubric.htm
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/rubrics.shtml
Clicker Assessment Tools
This is not the first time I have heard about clickers. In college I have used these in many of my classes. We used them for quizzes, attendance, and questions during lessons. This concept of using this in the classroom is one that I will definitely consider in the future. By using this I can see if students understand right away and can get students actively involved in learning. Students will love to use these because they are actively participating in the lesson by giving their input. I also like to hear that these devices allow for students to be intrinsically motivated. A main goal of teachers is to encourage and get students to be intrinsically motivated to do something. Sometimes this can be difficult and if a teacher could use something as inexpensive as this they should. In the future I will uses these for pre-tests before I begin a lesson, for attendance at the beginning of the day (like an interesting question at the beginning of the day for the students to think about), or during the lesson for a discussion. By using this during the lesson, I will be able to see if students have comprehended the concepts and also allow for discussion among students.
In what ways could clickers be used in the classroom?
Assessing Learning with Computer-Based Tests and Surveys
This section was a bit unfamiliar for me. I have heard of this but didn’t know to what extend this could be used in the classroom. These types of tests can be useful for the teacher because they can get results faster. The problem that I see with using these with student is that it doesn’t seem motivating or interesting to the student. An application that can help with this is called computerized adaptive testing or CAT. This was interesting to learn about because this application can adapt to the student that is taking it. The level of the questions can change so that the students are challenged but don’t get frustrated when answering. This is very interesting to me and seems to be useful. The only downfall is this is very expensive to use. Other assessments that are computer-based are surveys and polls like survey monkey. This can also be used to assess students understanding while still getting them involved. I will definitely use this assessment survey in my classroom. I would use it during class and after class. I can use this for homework, and students will have to answer the questions after school to see if comprehension and understand took place from the lesson.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
http://www.polleverywhere.com/
http://echo.edres.org:8080/scripts/cat/catdemo.htm
Monday, October 26, 2009
Chapter 9
Visualizing Scientific Idea with Computers
In all aspects of science, the use of computers and computer tools is essential. Without such tools students will not be able to visualize and better understand difficult concepts. In school chemistry can be a hard subject to understand. If teachers can use computer programs and websites to help students reference this material and supplement what is taught in the classroom then students will be able to visualize these complex processes. Two programs that could be useful in teaching chemistry to students are eChem and Molecular Workbench. Both of these programs do an excellent job in helping students visualize concepts. These also help with students who have alternate misconceptions and extra things to help show and clarify what is happening with the concept. Not only does Chemistry need material to help students understand material but also geography. So many computer systems can be used to help with geography. A good way to use computers in the classroom to help with geography is when the teacher wants to use the computer to help with retrieving, displaying, analyzing, and manipulating data. I truly think that geography is one of those subjects that need computer and computer programs to help students visualize. With maps and other materials students and actively participate and gain knowledge by using it. A popular software program that helps support geography is GIS. This program allows students to actively construct maps, charts, tables, and search for other information they might be looking for. In my future class I plan on using the computer to help supplement for my teaching. Students will benefit from using the computer to better visualize things within science and concepts within geography.
http://workbench.concord.org/
http://www.gis.com/
http://maps.google.com/
In what ways can students use the computer to help with other subjects?
Visualizing Mathematical Ideas with Technologies
Another important subject to use technology in is math. Using technology along with what is being taught is almost a must when dealing with mathematical concepts. Visualizing what is happening when students are learning math is essential and beneficial to the student. In our other college math class, the concepts of visualization and math concepts go hand in hand, whether it is through a hands-on manipulative or computer programs and technology. Since math is so abstract, teachers in the classroom need to come up with new programs and ideas to help students understand the concepts. A couple programs that students in would enjoy using is Mathematica and MathLab. Both of these programs help students to manipulatives and help them to visualize what is happening with certain mathematical problems. Another common technology that students use to help support math in the classroom is by the use of graphing calculators. Although this is mostly used in higher grades, teachers in lower elementary grades can use the graphing calculator to help show students graphs with results of projects or other activities in class. I remember as a student using a graphing calculator in high school. It saved a lot of time and also helped me to see how equations went to graphs. I would say this is a very helpful technology used in the math. Other important skills in math are data analysis and interpretation. This type of skill is important for students to understand. A program that helps with this, especially for grade fourth through eighth, is TinkerPlots. This program focuses on data from questions those students want answered. In my classroom I would use this to this to predict and find out data from actual issues that students in the class might have. Geometry is a math subject that needs technology to help students understand it. From my own experience I have had a hard time with learning geometry. I would have definitely benefited from the use of the different programs mentioned in the book. The visualization tool, Geometric Supposer, is an excellent tool for students to use to play with geometric objects and explore the relationships between the objects. I truly think that students have a hard time with visualizing these skills and a computer program like this one would be helpful.
http://www.wolfram.com/
http://www.mymathlab.com/
http://www.ecalc.com/calculator/scientific
Visualizing with Digital Cameras and Mobile Phones
When thinking about using camera and phones to help visualize concepts in the classroom, I would have not thought that these types of technologies could be used. Using cameras in the classroom can allow for creativity. A popular program used for this is Photoshop. Teachers can allow students to use this program in the classroom to edit and manipulate photos taken. These tools can be used for students to make documentaries. This is a way for students to be involved in society and make projects that involve issues and controversies. I feel like younger students can participate with cameras. The only fall back with using cameras is money. Many schools don’t have the money to buys cameras for all the students to use. Using these kinds of things will allow for students to be actively involved in technology. Most of the time students enjoy doing these sorts of things instead of projects and assignments with paper and pencil. In the future if my school will allow for each student to have a camera or use cell phones, then I will definitely incorporate this into my curriculum. An example would be during a science lesson about plants, I can assign the students to go around the school and find plants that they are learning about.
Websites:
http://www.picnik.com/
http://picasa.google.com/
https://www.photoshop.com/
Visualizing with Video
Camcorders and video production is another popular technology that can be incorporated in the classroom. I enjoyed reading about using this in the classroom. Like the use of cameras, camcorders also allow for students to exhibit creativity. It also allows students to be active, instructive, and cooperative. When students produce and edit videos they are thinking critically. When students complete these sorts of projects they feel accomplished. I don’t know if this is appropriate for younger students but for older ones. This type of skill involves knowledge of the use of the video production process which may or may not be present with elementary school students. I think if I was to teach older students I would use this in my classroom. As the teacher I would assign students to create a digital story whether it is from a history project or something like a novel project. I think students would love to use this and would learn a lot by using this type of technology. Not only does video production involve the actual making of the video but it also involves editing. A popular program for this is iMovie.
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio/videoediting
http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/
Video Modeling and Feedback
When working with videos, it is very important for students to see video modeling and feedback about their video. In our science class this semester we will be videotaping ourselves teaching and having to watch it and reflect on our performance. I think that this is a good idea when working with students. The only thing that is important when doing this is to make sure students positively reflect on their own experiences. I would use this in my classroom when students (especially older students) are giving presentations in front of the class. I think this would help with students having confidence when speaking in front of the class.
If students take a negative affect from this feedback, what can teachers do to reverse this?
In all aspects of science, the use of computers and computer tools is essential. Without such tools students will not be able to visualize and better understand difficult concepts. In school chemistry can be a hard subject to understand. If teachers can use computer programs and websites to help students reference this material and supplement what is taught in the classroom then students will be able to visualize these complex processes. Two programs that could be useful in teaching chemistry to students are eChem and Molecular Workbench. Both of these programs do an excellent job in helping students visualize concepts. These also help with students who have alternate misconceptions and extra things to help show and clarify what is happening with the concept. Not only does Chemistry need material to help students understand material but also geography. So many computer systems can be used to help with geography. A good way to use computers in the classroom to help with geography is when the teacher wants to use the computer to help with retrieving, displaying, analyzing, and manipulating data. I truly think that geography is one of those subjects that need computer and computer programs to help students visualize. With maps and other materials students and actively participate and gain knowledge by using it. A popular software program that helps support geography is GIS. This program allows students to actively construct maps, charts, tables, and search for other information they might be looking for. In my future class I plan on using the computer to help supplement for my teaching. Students will benefit from using the computer to better visualize things within science and concepts within geography.
http://workbench.concord.org/
http://www.gis.com/
http://maps.google.com/
In what ways can students use the computer to help with other subjects?
Visualizing Mathematical Ideas with Technologies
Another important subject to use technology in is math. Using technology along with what is being taught is almost a must when dealing with mathematical concepts. Visualizing what is happening when students are learning math is essential and beneficial to the student. In our other college math class, the concepts of visualization and math concepts go hand in hand, whether it is through a hands-on manipulative or computer programs and technology. Since math is so abstract, teachers in the classroom need to come up with new programs and ideas to help students understand the concepts. A couple programs that students in would enjoy using is Mathematica and MathLab. Both of these programs help students to manipulatives and help them to visualize what is happening with certain mathematical problems. Another common technology that students use to help support math in the classroom is by the use of graphing calculators. Although this is mostly used in higher grades, teachers in lower elementary grades can use the graphing calculator to help show students graphs with results of projects or other activities in class. I remember as a student using a graphing calculator in high school. It saved a lot of time and also helped me to see how equations went to graphs. I would say this is a very helpful technology used in the math. Other important skills in math are data analysis and interpretation. This type of skill is important for students to understand. A program that helps with this, especially for grade fourth through eighth, is TinkerPlots. This program focuses on data from questions those students want answered. In my classroom I would use this to this to predict and find out data from actual issues that students in the class might have. Geometry is a math subject that needs technology to help students understand it. From my own experience I have had a hard time with learning geometry. I would have definitely benefited from the use of the different programs mentioned in the book. The visualization tool, Geometric Supposer, is an excellent tool for students to use to play with geometric objects and explore the relationships between the objects. I truly think that students have a hard time with visualizing these skills and a computer program like this one would be helpful.
http://www.wolfram.com/
http://www.mymathlab.com/
http://www.ecalc.com/calculator/scientific
Visualizing with Digital Cameras and Mobile Phones
When thinking about using camera and phones to help visualize concepts in the classroom, I would have not thought that these types of technologies could be used. Using cameras in the classroom can allow for creativity. A popular program used for this is Photoshop. Teachers can allow students to use this program in the classroom to edit and manipulate photos taken. These tools can be used for students to make documentaries. This is a way for students to be involved in society and make projects that involve issues and controversies. I feel like younger students can participate with cameras. The only fall back with using cameras is money. Many schools don’t have the money to buys cameras for all the students to use. Using these kinds of things will allow for students to be actively involved in technology. Most of the time students enjoy doing these sorts of things instead of projects and assignments with paper and pencil. In the future if my school will allow for each student to have a camera or use cell phones, then I will definitely incorporate this into my curriculum. An example would be during a science lesson about plants, I can assign the students to go around the school and find plants that they are learning about.
Websites:
http://www.picnik.com/
http://picasa.google.com/
https://www.photoshop.com/
Visualizing with Video
Camcorders and video production is another popular technology that can be incorporated in the classroom. I enjoyed reading about using this in the classroom. Like the use of cameras, camcorders also allow for students to exhibit creativity. It also allows students to be active, instructive, and cooperative. When students produce and edit videos they are thinking critically. When students complete these sorts of projects they feel accomplished. I don’t know if this is appropriate for younger students but for older ones. This type of skill involves knowledge of the use of the video production process which may or may not be present with elementary school students. I think if I was to teach older students I would use this in my classroom. As the teacher I would assign students to create a digital story whether it is from a history project or something like a novel project. I think students would love to use this and would learn a lot by using this type of technology. Not only does video production involve the actual making of the video but it also involves editing. A popular program for this is iMovie.
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio/videoediting
http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/
Video Modeling and Feedback
When working with videos, it is very important for students to see video modeling and feedback about their video. In our science class this semester we will be videotaping ourselves teaching and having to watch it and reflect on our performance. I think that this is a good idea when working with students. The only thing that is important when doing this is to make sure students positively reflect on their own experiences. I would use this in my classroom when students (especially older students) are giving presentations in front of the class. I think this would help with students having confidence when speaking in front of the class.
If students take a negative affect from this feedback, what can teachers do to reverse this?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Chapter 8
Drawing Designs Ideas with Computer-Aided Design Software
Using computer-aided design software can be beneficial to students in the classroom. Teachers can use the CAD programs to help students think of ideas and design them using this software. A way that this can be incorporated into the classroom is by using this as a supplementary material when teaching science and math. The only problem I see with these types of programs is that is can be hard to work with and students might have trouble creating. If students are going to probably have trouble with these sorts of things then the teacher must know how to use it so that she/he can help students use it. I also feel like this can be more useful for older students rather than the younger students. If I was in a high school classroom I would use these types of programs in to help students design ideas in which they have thought of. Students can also design models of things that they already know about but can reinforce their knowledge by recreating it.
Testing Designs and Building Mental Models with Simulation Software
In this section, the book explains how to use simulations to support learning. When we learned about simulations earlier I knew that I would use this type of technology in my future classroom. Simulations do an excellent job in showing students why and how something works. So often students have trouble visualizing how something works. If teachers use some sort of simulation then students can better understand concepts. The Trebuchet simulation is a good example of a simulation that students can actively use in the classroom. Students can use this to better understand concepts in physics. Although I feel like this should be used for older students younger students could somewhat use this. A place in my classroom where I would use this program and other simulation programs would be at a computer center. Students can participate at these centers and explore through simulation on their own time and at their own pace.
In what ways can simulations be brought into curriculum?
Developing Programming Skills while Designing in the Media Arts
Before this class, I probably couldn’t tell you what programming skills consisted of. Since the last couple of weeks and after reading this section I have learned a lot about programming. Although it was a bit frustrating at the beginning, I think students would enjoy working with programming. The one programming program mentioned in the book is Scratch. I would use this in my classroom for students to make their own programs. Programming could be linked with projects and big concepts. Students could incorporate a game or activity to show that they comprehend and know the material. Another fun program that could be used in the classroom with younger students is iStopMotion. This program allows students to actively create movies and recordings. As a student I would have loved to have used this type of software to create different programs and projects. This is good because it can be incorporated into all subjects and can incorporate a technology aspect with what they are learning.
Designing Music with Composition Software
When I thought about incorporating music programs into my curriculum I would have thought that there wouldn’t be many things that could be done. After reading this section I realized that using music software can be an interactive way for students to enjoy and get involved with technology. A way that I would incorporate music and programs to create music would be when students are giving a presentation. I would require them to use music to help enhance the presentation and give it another element. Students will be able to make their own music or use something they already have. A program that students might enjoy using would be Impromptu. Students can use this to take pieces out of different music or create their own. Not only are music programs useful for creating music but also for voice recording. As a teacher I can require my students to have a voice element as well in their presentation or project. Most music programs are useful for students who need to record something. Another fun program that the book suggests for young students is Musical Sketch Pad. Students would enjoy playing with music and composing their own work. If this doesn’t fit into the curriculum, teacher could definitely use this during center time and students can CREATIVELY participate in making their own music.
What other ways can music and music programs be used in the classroom? Do you think students would enjoy using these types of programs?
Using computer-aided design software can be beneficial to students in the classroom. Teachers can use the CAD programs to help students think of ideas and design them using this software. A way that this can be incorporated into the classroom is by using this as a supplementary material when teaching science and math. The only problem I see with these types of programs is that is can be hard to work with and students might have trouble creating. If students are going to probably have trouble with these sorts of things then the teacher must know how to use it so that she/he can help students use it. I also feel like this can be more useful for older students rather than the younger students. If I was in a high school classroom I would use these types of programs in to help students design ideas in which they have thought of. Students can also design models of things that they already know about but can reinforce their knowledge by recreating it.
Testing Designs and Building Mental Models with Simulation Software
In this section, the book explains how to use simulations to support learning. When we learned about simulations earlier I knew that I would use this type of technology in my future classroom. Simulations do an excellent job in showing students why and how something works. So often students have trouble visualizing how something works. If teachers use some sort of simulation then students can better understand concepts. The Trebuchet simulation is a good example of a simulation that students can actively use in the classroom. Students can use this to better understand concepts in physics. Although I feel like this should be used for older students younger students could somewhat use this. A place in my classroom where I would use this program and other simulation programs would be at a computer center. Students can participate at these centers and explore through simulation on their own time and at their own pace.
In what ways can simulations be brought into curriculum?
Developing Programming Skills while Designing in the Media Arts
Before this class, I probably couldn’t tell you what programming skills consisted of. Since the last couple of weeks and after reading this section I have learned a lot about programming. Although it was a bit frustrating at the beginning, I think students would enjoy working with programming. The one programming program mentioned in the book is Scratch. I would use this in my classroom for students to make their own programs. Programming could be linked with projects and big concepts. Students could incorporate a game or activity to show that they comprehend and know the material. Another fun program that could be used in the classroom with younger students is iStopMotion. This program allows students to actively create movies and recordings. As a student I would have loved to have used this type of software to create different programs and projects. This is good because it can be incorporated into all subjects and can incorporate a technology aspect with what they are learning.
Designing Music with Composition Software
When I thought about incorporating music programs into my curriculum I would have thought that there wouldn’t be many things that could be done. After reading this section I realized that using music software can be an interactive way for students to enjoy and get involved with technology. A way that I would incorporate music and programs to create music would be when students are giving a presentation. I would require them to use music to help enhance the presentation and give it another element. Students will be able to make their own music or use something they already have. A program that students might enjoy using would be Impromptu. Students can use this to take pieces out of different music or create their own. Not only are music programs useful for creating music but also for voice recording. As a teacher I can require my students to have a voice element as well in their presentation or project. Most music programs are useful for students who need to record something. Another fun program that the book suggests for young students is Musical Sketch Pad. Students would enjoy playing with music and composing their own work. If this doesn’t fit into the curriculum, teacher could definitely use this during center time and students can CREATIVELY participate in making their own music.
What other ways can music and music programs be used in the classroom? Do you think students would enjoy using these types of programs?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Chapter 7
Exchanging Ideas Asynchronously With Discussion Boards
This section discusses using technology that involves communication not in real time. This section was very familiar to me because throughout the years I have been using this kind of technology in many of my classes. Overall I feel like it is affective and students can benefit from using it. The only problem that comes to mind when dealing with discussion boards is that students can’t use things like tone of voice, accents, dialects, that would normally be heard when talking in real time. But with this also comes an advantage. Students might speak what they actually feel because they can complete this on their own time and not in front of other people. Not only does this help with allowing students to speak freely but it also works when people don’t see each other on a normal basis. Students and teachers who are far apart can work through discussion boards. Another thing that really stuck out to me in this section is that asynchronous discussion boards are an excellent way to support second-language learners in the classroom. This is such a challenge for many teachers today and having a form of technology that can help will be beneficial for both the student and the teacher. EPals seems to be an excellent resource to use with all aged children. It seems to be very user friendly while helping all students. I will definitely use discussion boards in my classroom whether it is for an actual discussion on a topic, extensions to classwork, or to see how others feel on an important topic or concept.
Exchanging Ideas Synchronously With Interactive Chats and Messaging
The next section hit on the opposite of the section before. This section was about learning environment that happens in real time or synchronously. When I first started reading this, the first though that came to mind was instant messaging. I think with this generation, instant messaging is something that is very common among almost all ages. Some of the common messaging systems are Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Skype. Since students are so familiar with this type of technology, I think that teachers should utilize this and try and incorporate this into curriculum. The more you incorporate things that are familiar with students the more students will enjoy participating in the activity. In the future I definitely will use instant messaging and chatting with my students.
Making Connections through Videoconferencing
Before reading this section I never thought videoconferencing could be used in the classroom with instruction. After reading this section I realized that this type of technology can be useful when used in the classroom. I remember a while ago my professor used Skype to connect with another classroom in southern Florida to discuss educational issues. I remember thinking about cool it was to be able to connect with other students meeting in a different place far away. I think that my students will definitely benefit and enjoy using this type of technology. A different type of videoconferencing that can be incorporated into curriculum is interactive videoconferencing with experts that could share knowledge with students. This might be time consuming and teaching might have to get training to use this but I think students will learn a lot from using this. Because of time constraints and budget issues many teachers can’t bring in guest lecturers, but by using videoconferencing teachers can allow students to have the face-to-face interaction through the computer.
Would videoconferencing with experts on certain topics be beneficial for students, instead of the teacher presenting the information?
Broadcasts with Podcasts and Internet Radio
I got excited when I began to read this section because this is my topic for my inquiry project. Podcasts and Internet Radio is something that is new to me. I wasn’t familiar with using these things in the classroom. The one thing that I thought of that would be a little more difficult to incorporate this type of technology in the classroom financial issues. An MP3 Player is something that is common for viewing Podcasts. But having enough of those to accommodate all students in the classroom would be harder for teachers to do. On the other hand teachers can use the computer to view Podcasts just as well as MP3 players. In the future I want to be able to create a class-created Podcasts. It can be from all kinds of things. I could incorporate this into book reports or projects that students could each have a part and have to complete for the Podcast. I think students would enjoy finishing their projects with this type of genre. I didn’t really see a benefit in using the Internet Radio in the classroom. I think that Podcasting would be more beneficial for students and the teacher.
How would you use Internet Radio in the classroom?
This section discusses using technology that involves communication not in real time. This section was very familiar to me because throughout the years I have been using this kind of technology in many of my classes. Overall I feel like it is affective and students can benefit from using it. The only problem that comes to mind when dealing with discussion boards is that students can’t use things like tone of voice, accents, dialects, that would normally be heard when talking in real time. But with this also comes an advantage. Students might speak what they actually feel because they can complete this on their own time and not in front of other people. Not only does this help with allowing students to speak freely but it also works when people don’t see each other on a normal basis. Students and teachers who are far apart can work through discussion boards. Another thing that really stuck out to me in this section is that asynchronous discussion boards are an excellent way to support second-language learners in the classroom. This is such a challenge for many teachers today and having a form of technology that can help will be beneficial for both the student and the teacher. EPals seems to be an excellent resource to use with all aged children. It seems to be very user friendly while helping all students. I will definitely use discussion boards in my classroom whether it is for an actual discussion on a topic, extensions to classwork, or to see how others feel on an important topic or concept.
Exchanging Ideas Synchronously With Interactive Chats and Messaging
The next section hit on the opposite of the section before. This section was about learning environment that happens in real time or synchronously. When I first started reading this, the first though that came to mind was instant messaging. I think with this generation, instant messaging is something that is very common among almost all ages. Some of the common messaging systems are Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Skype. Since students are so familiar with this type of technology, I think that teachers should utilize this and try and incorporate this into curriculum. The more you incorporate things that are familiar with students the more students will enjoy participating in the activity. In the future I definitely will use instant messaging and chatting with my students.
Making Connections through Videoconferencing
Before reading this section I never thought videoconferencing could be used in the classroom with instruction. After reading this section I realized that this type of technology can be useful when used in the classroom. I remember a while ago my professor used Skype to connect with another classroom in southern Florida to discuss educational issues. I remember thinking about cool it was to be able to connect with other students meeting in a different place far away. I think that my students will definitely benefit and enjoy using this type of technology. A different type of videoconferencing that can be incorporated into curriculum is interactive videoconferencing with experts that could share knowledge with students. This might be time consuming and teaching might have to get training to use this but I think students will learn a lot from using this. Because of time constraints and budget issues many teachers can’t bring in guest lecturers, but by using videoconferencing teachers can allow students to have the face-to-face interaction through the computer.
Would videoconferencing with experts on certain topics be beneficial for students, instead of the teacher presenting the information?
Broadcasts with Podcasts and Internet Radio
I got excited when I began to read this section because this is my topic for my inquiry project. Podcasts and Internet Radio is something that is new to me. I wasn’t familiar with using these things in the classroom. The one thing that I thought of that would be a little more difficult to incorporate this type of technology in the classroom financial issues. An MP3 Player is something that is common for viewing Podcasts. But having enough of those to accommodate all students in the classroom would be harder for teachers to do. On the other hand teachers can use the computer to view Podcasts just as well as MP3 players. In the future I want to be able to create a class-created Podcasts. It can be from all kinds of things. I could incorporate this into book reports or projects that students could each have a part and have to complete for the Podcast. I think students would enjoy finishing their projects with this type of genre. I didn’t really see a benefit in using the Internet Radio in the classroom. I think that Podcasting would be more beneficial for students and the teacher.
How would you use Internet Radio in the classroom?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Chapter 6
Knowledge Building with Knowledge Forum
When I first started reading this section I realized I knew what the author was talking about. The words, “Knowledge Forum” threw me off a little, but as I read through it I realized exactly what this was. A Knowledge Forum is a place where students can comment, ask questions, and gain knowledge from a particular subject or topic. The one thing that I like about this form of technology is that it required students to be actively engaged in learning. I will definitely use this in my future classroom. I think that students will benefit from other students’ thoughts as well as contributing their own thoughts. A discussion board can be used as knowledge forum. The teacher can start off the discussion with a topic or question and students can contribute on their own to the teacher’s question or other students’ questions. I know from my own experience I have used a discussion board and have benefited from using it. As a teacher I will post questions to help students with projects, review, questions to help study for a test, or just general discussion question to see where students are in terms of what they have learned.
Co-constructing Knowledge with Wikis
Wikis are very similar to the knowledge forum. In my opinion wikis seem to be more intense and more involved. I have always wondered what “wiki” meant and now I know…”quickly”. I find this interesting because wikis are quick and usually are the place to find information the quickest. Over the year I have become familiar with Wikipedia. The only downfall with this website and others that contain wikis are that they can be changed by other people, so the information cannot be taken to be true all of the time. I don’t think that me as a teacher will encourage students to use only wikis to find and gain information. I do think that it is an excellent starting point for students to use in order to find which direction to go in order to find the information that are looking for. I also feel like wikis are mainly for older students to use in and out of the classroom. I don’t think I will be using this form of technology very often in my classroom.
Finding Colleagues with Interactive Blogs
This section was very familiar to me. Blogs are an excellent resource to use in the classroom. I have always thought that blogs are personal diaries and thoughts of people. But after reading this section I realized that blogs can be used by the teacher, an expert, and by the student. In the future I will definitely use all of these different ways in the classroom. National Geographic is an excellent source to use for students to participate in expert blogs that are already laid out for them. This is a good place for students to think on their own and still learn in an interactive way. I also will use a class blog for students and their parents to use. I can use this to help challenge students with new thought and also inform parents on things happening in the classroom. If I was to teach older students I would use personal blogs for students to share and read others. Blogs are an excellent ways of communication as well as sharing information with others. A good blog website is blogspot.com, which I have learned to use in this class and have enjoyed using it. Another blogging website is livejournal.com.
What are some ways that teachers can incorporate personal blogs with elementary aged students?
Building International Communities
Learning circle can be an excellent tool for students to use to understand different values and goals. This is nice to use because students can see that others have the same values and goals. They can also see the way they are striving towards those goals or practicing the values. I might use this in my future classroom. I could assign students projects or an online activity along with students somewhere else. As for global schoolhouse, I would agree that students learn best when students have to measure, collect, evaluate, write, read, publish, simulate, hypothesize, compare, debate, examine, investigate, organize, share and report. I enjoyed reading this section because I was able to read about good examples of projects that students can complete and learn from. International communities are similar to community circles but students can see a worldwide view of students working on collaborative projects. After reading this section, I will probably not use this type of technology as much in the classroom.
Building Professional Teacher Communities
It is very important as teachers to learn from one another. As a teacher I plan on participating in a teacher community, so that I can learn and get ideas from other educators. I think that I will definitely be using TeacherTalk. I think that I will be able to get lesson plan ideas, teaching styles, and most importantly support from other educators doing the same thing as me.
Usernet and NetNews Groups
This section was new to me. NetNews and Usernets are two central locations for people to find messages that have been sent to a mass of people. These two things can most often not be appropriate for students and teachers need to be aware of what they would be using. I am really confused to how this is used in the classroom or how it relates to students. I don’t see this form of technology to be as useful as the other mentioned in this chapter.
How can this be used in the classroom?
Overall this chapter was interesting to read. I will take most of the information presented and use it in my future classroom. I think students will gain knowledge by using these forms of technology and will also enjoy using them
When I first started reading this section I realized I knew what the author was talking about. The words, “Knowledge Forum” threw me off a little, but as I read through it I realized exactly what this was. A Knowledge Forum is a place where students can comment, ask questions, and gain knowledge from a particular subject or topic. The one thing that I like about this form of technology is that it required students to be actively engaged in learning. I will definitely use this in my future classroom. I think that students will benefit from other students’ thoughts as well as contributing their own thoughts. A discussion board can be used as knowledge forum. The teacher can start off the discussion with a topic or question and students can contribute on their own to the teacher’s question or other students’ questions. I know from my own experience I have used a discussion board and have benefited from using it. As a teacher I will post questions to help students with projects, review, questions to help study for a test, or just general discussion question to see where students are in terms of what they have learned.
Co-constructing Knowledge with Wikis
Wikis are very similar to the knowledge forum. In my opinion wikis seem to be more intense and more involved. I have always wondered what “wiki” meant and now I know…”quickly”. I find this interesting because wikis are quick and usually are the place to find information the quickest. Over the year I have become familiar with Wikipedia. The only downfall with this website and others that contain wikis are that they can be changed by other people, so the information cannot be taken to be true all of the time. I don’t think that me as a teacher will encourage students to use only wikis to find and gain information. I do think that it is an excellent starting point for students to use in order to find which direction to go in order to find the information that are looking for. I also feel like wikis are mainly for older students to use in and out of the classroom. I don’t think I will be using this form of technology very often in my classroom.
Finding Colleagues with Interactive Blogs
This section was very familiar to me. Blogs are an excellent resource to use in the classroom. I have always thought that blogs are personal diaries and thoughts of people. But after reading this section I realized that blogs can be used by the teacher, an expert, and by the student. In the future I will definitely use all of these different ways in the classroom. National Geographic is an excellent source to use for students to participate in expert blogs that are already laid out for them. This is a good place for students to think on their own and still learn in an interactive way. I also will use a class blog for students and their parents to use. I can use this to help challenge students with new thought and also inform parents on things happening in the classroom. If I was to teach older students I would use personal blogs for students to share and read others. Blogs are an excellent ways of communication as well as sharing information with others. A good blog website is blogspot.com, which I have learned to use in this class and have enjoyed using it. Another blogging website is livejournal.com.
What are some ways that teachers can incorporate personal blogs with elementary aged students?
Building International Communities
Learning circle can be an excellent tool for students to use to understand different values and goals. This is nice to use because students can see that others have the same values and goals. They can also see the way they are striving towards those goals or practicing the values. I might use this in my future classroom. I could assign students projects or an online activity along with students somewhere else. As for global schoolhouse, I would agree that students learn best when students have to measure, collect, evaluate, write, read, publish, simulate, hypothesize, compare, debate, examine, investigate, organize, share and report. I enjoyed reading this section because I was able to read about good examples of projects that students can complete and learn from. International communities are similar to community circles but students can see a worldwide view of students working on collaborative projects. After reading this section, I will probably not use this type of technology as much in the classroom.
Building Professional Teacher Communities
It is very important as teachers to learn from one another. As a teacher I plan on participating in a teacher community, so that I can learn and get ideas from other educators. I think that I will definitely be using TeacherTalk. I think that I will be able to get lesson plan ideas, teaching styles, and most importantly support from other educators doing the same thing as me.
Usernet and NetNews Groups
This section was new to me. NetNews and Usernets are two central locations for people to find messages that have been sent to a mass of people. These two things can most often not be appropriate for students and teachers need to be aware of what they would be using. I am really confused to how this is used in the classroom or how it relates to students. I don’t see this form of technology to be as useful as the other mentioned in this chapter.
How can this be used in the classroom?
Overall this chapter was interesting to read. I will take most of the information presented and use it in my future classroom. I think students will gain knowledge by using these forms of technology and will also enjoy using them
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