This week we read Chapter 7 in the book which had some very good insight on issues concerning exploring problem solving with software. It is very clear the technology is an important part of the learning process in todays society but how can we as educators filter out the softwares that do not hold much educational value. There is a specific section in this chapter that gives teachers guidelines on how to do just that. The "Evaluation Criteria" section offers helpful tips when it comes to choosing your software for your classroom. There are 3 main features to determine low quality software- 1) The computer dictates the activity, 2) competition, stereo-typing or violence is present, 3) quick reactions are favored over sustained thinking and problem solving. I think in order to have a successful education software these criterias are important to avoid. You don't want the student to feel pressure to answer the fastest or be the smartest in the class. These games are not about competition, those are games that are meant to be played at home for entertainment purposes. I was made aware of the organization "Common Sense Media" through this section. This non-profit organization evaluates the learning potential of websites, video games, and mobile apps for students. It evaluates age-appropriatness and learning content. I thought this was really great because not only will it provide helpful feedback on potential softwares but it will make me as an educator more aware of the options I could possibly have in my classroom when it comes to different programs. I especially like that it rates age groups since my goal is to work with younger students this can really help me filter through all of the available softwares at my disposal.
The next section touches on students "Building, Inventing, and Creating Software" I really loved this section because I am a big fan of anything creative. What I really advocate and enjoy is the use of Kid Pix. I have used this software before on a family friends computer who is an elementary school educator and I was blown away by the amount of things you can do. Kid Pix really is, in my opinion the best software out there for educators of younger children. It allows kids to really tap into their creative side while also learning and having fun. Kid Pix allows children to create their own books, stories, pictures, graphs, work sheets etc; it really has it all. I think this is a must have software for anyone who is entering the Elementary Education field. It is definitely something I plan to purchase once I begin my student-teaching hours. Another great tool mentioned in this section is Google Earth. I have mentioned before that I am a big fan of virtual field trips and Google Earth is a wonderful software that can definitely aid in that particular activity. It can allow students to visit anywhere in the world and even offers "street view" for a much more detailed look. Below I included a video that gives a detailed look into all of the fun and exciting things a student can do with Kid Pix.
The last section I want to talk about is "Debates about Games and Gaming." This is an issue I myself have become aware of taking this class. Before entering this course when I heard the term "gaming" my mind immediately went to video games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. I thought of killed brain cells and violence that was a bad influence on America's youth. The truth of the matter is gaming gets a bad reputation because of the negativity surrounding the industry. Games can be used to improve students problem solving and critical thinking skills while creating a fun and entertaining learning environment. There are 3 types of video games, those that are for entertainment purposes only, those that combine education and entertainment and those that are strictly used for educational purposes. As an educator I know I will have to make a stand on one side of this debate and I am honestly all for video games. I believe even the ones created just for entertainment purposes still hold some level of problem solving that must be completed. For example I beat the "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" game and although there was a fair amount of violence it took a lot of strategizing and coming up with original ideas to complete some of those missions. If playing video games is going to increase a childs interest in his/her education I don't see why this is even an issue at all.
In conclusion I enjoyed this chapter because it gave me a lot of excellent resources that I can utilize in my future classroom. It also got be thinking about a debate that I wasn't aware was such a hot button issue among teachers. I can use many of the things I learned here to my advantage later on in my career.
In this chapter we touch on Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship. There was a section that I really found interesting that touched on the subject of e-readers called "e-books and e-readers." This section talked about the potential benefit e-readers can pose to students when it comes to their interest in reading. I found it especially interesting when a survey showed that 33% of students would read more if they had access to electronic books. I suppose I wasn't aware of the potential benefits of these devices seeing as I had always been a fan of actual paper novels. When they were first released I didn't agree with them and in a sense I still don't but if these little devices will get students more interested in reading than I am all for them. I like the fact that in the future there will be more advanced tools when it comes to electronic textbooks, such as animated flashcards and embedded videos. This was something I did not know was in development but I think it is an amazing idea. This will get many students much more engaged in the material and increase their understanding massively. I can understand why parents believe e-readers have a negative impact on children's desire to read, I felt the same way before reading then research shown on the matter. At first glance e-readers just look like tiny computers, which parents perceive as distracting but in todays society children want to feel technologically superior, owning an e-book will cause them more desire to read than not owning one.
The next section I found informative was the one on search engines. What I liked about this section was the large list of search engines they provide. For me Google was always the beginning and the end when it came to search engines. I was never aware that there were so many different ones for different materials (blogs, historical archives etc;) I even dog eared the page so I could use it as a reference to go back to. This section touched on explaining search engines to your students, I am sure that many people were like me and only considered one source as their information cauldron but the fact is that it is important to expand on students knowledge of the internet. Being aware of these other tools could greatly increase their access to all kinds of information but also increase the chances that it is coming from a credible source. Many fun activates can be created by using search engines. Asking students to look up one topic and find as many true and untrue statements as they can would be a fun lesson plan. It would help students learn about a topic but also show them just how many false facts are on the internet and how to differentiate between the two. This can be done through the teaching of AAOCC.
The last thing I want to touch on was the "Electronic Note-Taking" section of this chapter. The reason I chose this section is because it is something I never really considered until I read up on it. I have always been the kind of person to use a pen and paper to take my notes (much as I have always been the kind of person to read an actual book) but like the e-readers this section informed me on the benefits of electronic note-taking. This section made me aware of a few useful websites, including NoteStar. These sites are great tools for students and teacher alike. They are wonderful organizers and are forever kept on record through the internet, there is not chance of loosing them or spilling coffee all over them! Another tool I learned about through this section was called "OneNote." OneNote is an app for Mac or PC computers that serves as an electric binder of sorts. This application allows you too house many different types of information and organize it however you want. It also allows for audio not taking so a student can just hit record during a class lecture and jot down important facts he/she may have missed before!
Just one example of what you can do with OneNote! Photo Credit by: gordonr at Flickr
This chapter really opened up my mind a lot. As far as e-readers and electronic note-taking go I was always very wary of them. I always thought that the only real way to read and write had to involve paper. However, after reading the statistics and seeing the amazing things both of these tools can do I have to say that I change my mind.
This chapter was titled "Transforming Learning with Unique and Powerful Technology" and I found it very informative. This chapter introduced me to many methods in which I could utilize education through technology. The section "Online Problem-Solving Environments" made me aware of the usefulness educational games can serve in my classroom. The section goes onto state that educational games on computers utilize student's critical thinking skills and stimulated understandings. When I was a kid I used to play these games in school, I'm sure they were a lot less advanced back then but it was always my favorite part of the day when we were able to go into the computer lab and have time to do these activities. It is a fun way for children to learn without them feeling as if they are being taught. I like the 3 primary characteristics that go into solving problems in an online learning environment. First, students use computers to do what they cannot easily do on paper. Second, students encounter types of problems that occur in the real world. Third, students integrate knowledge of technology with academic content. These are all very important for students to experience and it can all be done with an online learning environment.
Another secretion I found myself connecting with was "The Role of Feedback." This subject expresses the importance of feedback from instructor to student when it comes to the students success. Without positive reinforcement it may be hard for the student to continue to motivate his/herself. The thing about technology that is so great is it gives you rapid feedback. When you complete a problem correctly in an online game or on a virtual worksheet most of the time you get a "good job" or "fantastic." For example in my mathematics class I use a program called MyMathLabsPlus. In this program we have homework and every time we get a problem right the computer will pop up with a box that usually contains encouraging words. Feedback is crucial for educators because children, especially younger ones, thrive on making those around them proud.
The last section I want to touch on was the section titled "Active Learning." This subject talked about the method of hands-on learning, or learning by doing. In this type of learning students are actively involved in their own educational process. It is crucial that more teachers practice Active Learning and stray away from the standardized tests and reading from a text book method that was a thing of the past. Technologies can play a huge role in active learning since there are so many tools that will help teachers make it possible. Allowing students to be a part of their education and what they learn is proven to be a more successful way of teaching. Technologies can help this goal be achieved.
In conclusion I enjoyed this chapter, like the last two it had me thinking about things I hand't ever thought about before. I would like to end my post with a photo that I saw that I thought was very relevant to where education, and the rest of society, is headed when it comes to technology.
Resources: Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
I really enjoyed reading this chapter for two reasons: 1) it gave me an insight on the importance of technology use in a classroom from a students point of view through surveys and 2) it made me aware of the struggles and issues I may face as an educator who is an advocator of technology. It really made me reflect and think about the future decisions I may need to make in my career. The section that really got me asking myself important questions was "Key Issues for Technology-Using Teachers" this section asked a variety of questions that I found myself deeply reflecting on. For example a few of the questions included " what is your readiness to integrate technology into teaching?" "what are your reasons for wanting to use technology in teaching?" and "what are your ideas for the kinds of teaching methods you plan to use?" These are questions I had never really thought of before, I never gave a second thought on how important the advancement of technology would inevitably become to education. The first question was an immediate answer for me, I am very ready to integrate technology into my classroom. The second question was easy to answer, my reasons for wanting to use technology are simply because I think children will be able to relate to the lessons more, and enjoy them with more exuberance. The third question however had me doing a bit more reflecting. It had me imagining all of the fun and creative ways I can teach my classroom. The last discussion topic led me to a really awesome discovery that is known as an "interactive field trip" I found this idea fascinating and really exciting. I never knew such a thing existed and I never thought about all of the endless possibilities that could come along with it. I want my teaching method to match my personality, fun and personable, I want to get to know my students and I want them to be comfortable with me, I want them to know that I care about their successes and even their failures.
The second section I really got into was the "Barriers to Technology Use" section. It was very informative on the restrictions that may pop up as an educator when it comes to integrating technology into my lesson plans. Lack of access was a big one I had never really considered. It shed light on the fact that some schools are not technologically advanced, meaning there is not easily accessible technology use. Some class rooms don't have enough computers for students, some don't have interactive white boards or televisions. It got me wondering what I would do if I were employed in a school such as this. Group work would become a larger part of my lesson plan, that way if there were not enough computers the groups would have to be larger. I would do my best to find ways around these issues, because I strongly believe in technology as a learning aid. Another issue that I had thought of was brought up in the text, and it was the issue of digital divides. There are many students who come from urban and low income homes that do not have access to, nor know how to use the latest technologies. This issue is something that really bothers me, I feel strongly about all children feeling equal in a classroom. Nothing is more detrimental to a child's self esteem than feeling isolated and different from their peers. This is an issue I don't really know a solution too, and I hope one will come to me over time the more I learn of technology and the education system in general, I will definitely be thinking about it.
The last section that really got to me was titled "Your Teaching Philosophy." This section goes into detail about two main differing philosophies taken on by teachers; the first one is teacher-centered. These teachers view teaching as a formal conveyance of information from a knowledgeable instructor to a novice student. They use students test scores to determine how much they have learned. The second philosophy is known as student-centered. These teachers believe in a more progressive style of teaching, one that allows for engaging in conversation with students, the creation of puzzles and games, and asking many questions. These teachers view teaching as orchestrating different experiences for students. The text is stated as saying that many teachers find themselves in the middle of these two philosophies. However I find myself 100 percent relating with the student-centered method. I do not think that a child's intelligence can be measured by a test. Interactive learning, holding a conversation, knowledge about how the world works and how to survive in it; that is intelligence, not a score on a standardized test. Engaging your students and challenging them to think creatively is what teaching should be about. I never realized how strongly I felt about this issue until I read this section and the first philosophy almost made me angry, because although standardized testing is a necessary evil it should not be the basis of a teachers philosophy in my opinion.
I really found myself enjoying this chapter, this is the first semester I have taken any classes that have to do with my major and I have not enjoyed school like this for some time. It is so important to engage students in their interests much like I am being engaged by this class and my other education course. I have never been more sure of anything in my life the way I am sure that I am meant to be a teacher. I want to inspire children to feel the way I feel right now about school, which is excitement, wonder, and curiosity. I have decided to upload a video I really liked to this post, as I mentioned before I have taken a special interest in "virtual field trips." I found a video on Youtube that I really enjoyed. When I become and Elementary educator I have no doubt in my mind I will be using this tool and many like it in my lesson plans. I also put in a picture that I rather enjoyed of a young girl using a smart board, another tool I would love to use if I am fortunate enough to have access to it in my classroom.
Resources: Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
As a future educator it is becoming more and more apparent that the use of technology in a learning environment is imperative to educators. The further I got into the first chapter of our textbook the more excited, and aware I became of all of the tools I could use at my disposal. A section that really stuck out to me was "Developing Identity and Social Media." As a social media junkie myself I really related with this section of the chapter. It got me thinking that as a teacher I would love to create my own educators Facebook page and ask my students to add me as a friend. I could implement assignments and reading by sharing links pertaining to interesting topics or ask them to write a reflective piece on my wall. I feel that this would be fun for the students and since most of their time is spent on Facebook outside of the school halls it will give them an opportunity to learn while also using social media. I think another great social media tool that can be used as an educator is Youtube. Another idea I had for students was a video diary, having the student create a mini movie or series that lets me know about their interests, goals, and desires when it comes to education. Having them upload this video to Youtube and watching it will give me a great insight to my students and what their personal aspirations are for the future. It also allows the students to utilize their creativity and offers limitless possibilities on which direction they would want to take their film. Blogs are another wonderful tool to use in a classroom. Having your students write a daily blog about their thoughts and feelings helps you get to know them on a more personal level which will enhance your knowledge on how to better educate them.
Another section that had me reflecting was "Your Must-Have Technologies for Teaching." It had me pondering what my own list would be. I suppose if I had to choose right now (take into consideration my limited knowledge on todays technological teaching tools) I would choose a computer, an iPod, a tablet of some sort, a video camera/digital camera, an interactive white board, and a digital projector. I could use these tools in endless ways to help enhance my classrooms creativity and education. These tools will help make learning fun and give me an opportunity to come up with original and innovative lesson plans. I love the idea of an interactive field trip. Having the students learn facts about another country and taking them on a digital tour using a projector seems like a wonderful and fun learning strategy.
My last point of discussion will be on the section "Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge" or (TPACK) this is something I had never heard of before I picked up this textbook. This concept refers to how teachers bring together three different forms of knowledge to produce exciting learning experiences for their students. It is broken down into 3 parts: Content Knowledge: which includes the essential academic subject matter, Pedagogical Knowledge: which includes all information teachers know about teaching methods and Technological Knowledge: which includes knowing how to use different types of technology when it comes to educating. This section touches on how in order to be successful in todays schools you must touch on all three. I enjoyed this section because it talked about blending technology into your classroom. It is important to still use old school teaching methods when it comes to your students. If everything involved technology it can become confusing or exclude certain children who don't have access to these tools outside of a classroom. It is crucial to blend all three of these concepts into each lesson plan in order to adapt to 21st century teaching while also implementing non-techonological learning tools into your students education. I found this section extremely helpful and eye opening.
In conclusion as future educators it is our responsibility to be aware and adapt to all of the changes this generation is going through. Technology is used now more than ever and is growing more advanced by the day. It is our duty to stay up to date on the current tools we can use. Having this knowledge will not only make our lives easier but increase the students desire to learn and keep him/her in school and interested in education.
Resources: Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
