As I look back on my experience while taking this Introduction To Technology For Educators class, I find it amazing how much I truely have learned. The amount of information on the use of technology I have gained is breath taking to me. At first I was apprehensive, I had no experience with computers and none the less using "blogs" or making my own websites, but now I have the ability to do that and even more. I now can communicate and share my work through technology without hesitating and it is the best feeling ever. Now that this class is coming to an end, I can enhance my teaching and learning in the classroom. The "Transforming learning with new technologies" textbook was a real eye-opener, while writing out all my journal blogs on each chapter I would find at least five different tools or facts that were useful to me. Believe it or not, I even got to relate to most of the information that was being presented in the textbook, it made me even more interested. When it came to the Class Discussions, I got deep into finding information that was perfect for my topic. I
By SCTNZ from Wikispaces
especially enjoyed the "Assistive/Adaptive Technology for Students" discussion, due to the fact that I work with ESE Students I related with it personally, it is fascinating to me how technology can take a student with any disabilty to new heights. Our Class Assignments were all very different in the way that I had to learn how to do something new everytime. From the Website Evaluation Rubric, Collaborative Lesson Plan, Webquest, Powerpoint Presentation, Instructional Wiki, and Teacher Webpage ePortfolio, I have aquired all kinds of technology based tools that I am absolutely using from now on. My favorite assignment had to be the Teacher Webpage ePortfolio, I loved using Weebly! I find that this website is so useful in many ways, you could use it for a personal use but also for a professional use. It was also super easy for me to use, I got the hang of it real quick and I'm sure if I can do it, so could others. I can honestly say everything taught during this class was on point, there was a varitety of different skills and tools that were perfectly fitting to what I wanted to get out of taking the class. I would not change a thing about the course, other than wishing I could have caught on a little faster. When it comes down to it, like I have said many times,the world has come to revolve around technology, we all have to learn to adapt to them. Being a part of a group to complete an assignment has also helped me in a great way in this class, while working on the "Instructional Wiki" assignment I had some issues rise up when trying to finish my page, but with the help of my group members I became more and more knowledgeable. Peer Evaluation during this class has also been a push to do better in each and every assignments. While posting my "Discussion" assignments, I would recieve awesome feedback from my classmates and I would apply the advice to my next posts. Learning how to involve technical uses into teaching students has become a great and new way of bring my students and I closer. I greatly appreciate and will surely interwine all that I have learned and gained from this class into my future teaching.
Fanini, C., Rusenko, D., & Veltri, D. (n.d.). Free website | Free blog | Create a free website | Weebly. Weebly.com. Retrieved November 30, 2013, from http://www.weebly.com/
Maloy, R. W.
(2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and
Bacon.
Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection
1. How can students become actively involved in assessment and evaluation using technology?
When wanting to reel in students into assignments or certain tasks technology is the "go-to" tool. Children's eyes are caught quickly to attention when they are using a computer, tablet, IPod, etc. It makes an assessment for fun and easy for them, it is an everyday use of theirs, and applying it in school is what they want. Using technology is what they look foward to in a classroom, you can positive results and better yet, actively invovled students! I personally use technology in my classroom and I see the constant gain of knowledge with my students. Since they are drawn in to the technology device, it makes it simple for them to learn. I find it very nessecary to intergrate technology within education. When wanting to have students participate, you need to bring material that is fimilar to them, and technology based material is what they connect to best now a days.
2. Tech Tool 11.2 - Online Survey Building Resources
Online Survey's is a foreign topic to me, but the concept of having an effecting way to assess prior knowledge is a great idea to me. Not only does this invlove students to recollect what they have learned but it lets you as an educator see what they have learned also. Online Surveys also take in information that students would like to learn in the future. It is easy for students to use these type of surveys because there really is no "wrong" and "right", it's pure opinion and self-knowledge. This Tech Tool shows teachers certain online tools that can help them get together their students opinions and knowledge on certain topics. Zoomerang is one of the "easy-to-use" online survery building tools shown. It gives teachers the opportunity to have different topics and themed surveys to build. I can see teachers using this in every day lessons, to me it is very quick and easy to use. I enjoy how you can even change the design of the survey to make it your own. This tool can be used in my classroom to see what my students prefer and know from past teachings.
3. Summary
Chapter eleven is based on teaching teachers how to use digital portfolios and any performance assessment technologies to evaluate their students own learning. It also focuses on how students will be evaluating their peers using technology based tools. Chapter eleven shows how student participation can increase when using participation systems such as Online Surveys. Self-reflective learning is what helps students grow and help shape their education. Being a student at Edison, I constantly am self-evaluation aswell as peer-evaluating and it honestly build you up as a student. I find it easier to fix your downfalls and learn from it when using performance assessment technologies. I have grown academically by being fully invovled by using my personal reflection.
Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new
technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
Promoting Success for All Students through Technology
1. How does assistive technology support efforts by teachers to reach all learners?
In any given classroom, students show different levels of learning and comprehension. Some may show difficulty with reading and writting due to language and culture, while others may have trouble with mathematics and science. Then comes specific students with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities that face their own barriers when it comes to learning. When assistive technology is correctly intergrated into the classroom, it gives students a chance to do certain tasks more quickly, easily, or independently. The flexibility of assistive technology allows a teacher to build tools and materials that focus on the student's prime strengths and yet enhances their weaknesses. As an ESE teacher, I come to apply many of these assistive technologies that make it possible for me to communicate with my students that are not capable of speaking. I find it very relieving to have at least tools that can get me to understand and be able to transmit information to my students. Without any assistive technology around in classroom based settings things can be very difficult in every day to day learning and teaching.
2. Tech Tool 10.1 - Extra-Large and Online Calculators
There is a special calculator that has been enlarged into a greater proportion for easy access, as well as use. The CC16 "Extra-Large" calculator is a tool used to engage students. It brings all of the nessecary operations that all generic calculators have, such as; adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying. This calcualtor is also not as heavy as it might seem, which is another factor that comes to be suprising to students. To me, students learn with the eye, it may sound quite weird but if you look at it in a mathematical term, when a student sees a long equation, their instant though is "I can't do this" or "I don't want to do this". They are appealed by the eye, and this calculator does exactly that. I enjoy how it is easy for students to visually be able to see the calculators certain functions in a bigger way (literally). This is a new teaching tool that students are obviously going to want to use, just because of it's size and apperance. I personally would use this whenever I am doing a math-related lesson, my ESE students would be very intrigued by the fact that this "new" tool is something different to their eyes.
3. Summary
In chapter ten, the theory of computer technologies is expanded. Their are so many opportunities to use them in every day learning within education. Teachers can use them to meet students needs, whether a student is in a regular, or special ed classroom. These computer based technologys are useful for all types of learning styles. I think that promoting success for all students through technology is the best thing we, as educators, can do for our students. Integrating in what they are familiar with in their school experiences can help them tremendously.
Maloy, R.
W. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn
and Bacon.
Creating and Sharing Information with Multimedia Technologies
1. How can teachers use video resources in their teaching?
The ideal concept in teaching is to have your students gain knowlegde in a way that will stick with them throughout their lives. As time has passed, we have come to live in a world that is surrounded by technology. Educators, such as myself, have to dogde and adapt all the works of these now commonly used technologies. To me, teachers can use videos as a great way to engage students into a specific topic or lesson. It can easily spark up conversation between teacher and student. Videos are also an "ice breaker" in my eyes, they can turn a boring lecture of a lesson into a lively subject shown through a video. Students get the opportunity to be visually stimulized with something they have come to be very familar and comfortable with. Some students now a days even like using any type of technology to help them in their studies, videos are a perfect example of it. Effective teaching comes out of using video resources in the classroom. For instance, while being in this class, I have learned to use videos to help my work become more in depth. Most of the times videos even make a finish product seem more put together for me. I all of a sudden understand a topic a hundred times more than I did without watching a video on the subject. Students can also get "real life" examples of certain subjects your teaching, they can connect more with it, and then understand it more. All in all, I find that teachers can use video resources in many ways that are for the better of education and student growth.
2. Tech Tool 9.1 - Visual Learning With Digital Projectors and Interactive Whiteboards
Such things as Digital Projectors and Interactive Whiteboards have become an essential part of a classroom. They can easily make a presentation or clip an experience that everyone can see in a larger scale. These tools for me, give a connection to students in a more personal way. When having presentations such as a powerpoint, students can project their work on a Digital Projector that makes their work enlarge and big enough for everyone in the class see. Not only do you get to be more creative with your work but you can add in certain more interactive hints to your presentation to make it more apppealing. Lessons can even be shown on the board, sort of like a big screen. Notes are taken easier this way, it is a reliever for both teachers and students. The most amazing part of a Digital Projector for me is that you can use pictures and videos straight off the internet and just show it to the classroom right then and there! There is no need for having to go through such hassels anymore. I would use a Digital Projector in my everyday to day classroom to show my students certain pictures and words that have to do with the weeks lesson. I would even show them nice interactive videos that they would all enjoy!
3. Summary
This chapter narrows into how to interact with students by using videos, PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, movie-making softwares, digital camera's, and even podcasts/vodcasts! All these tools are shown in this chapter to include students in making and sharing their thoughts and creations with them. Teachers like me can use the information in this chapter greatly by learning how to incorporate the use of digital technology in class to get on a deeper level with my students. This is the "new" way to get our generation of students to enjoy being in the classroom. They have to be familar to the tools used to teach. I personally feel that it is essential in education to learn how to adapt, we need to help students learn in the ways they learn best.
Maloy, R. W.
(2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and
Bacon.
Communicating and Networking with Websites, Blogs, Wikis, and More
1. How can teachers use communications technologies as teacing and learning tools?
To enhance teaching and learning as educators, communications technologies is a must. Especially now that we are living in a technology based world, it is nessecary for teachers to have their students communicate with them through technology. Communications Technologies are tools that make quick and easy sharing of information from one person to another possible. This is very helpful in a classroom, teachers can use it for notes and even lessons. There are so many tools, a few of them would be; Email, Classroom websites, Blogs, and Online Discussions. For me, Blogs, just like the one I am using at this very second is effective. Although at first it may look hard, it is fairly easy, and neat to use when it comes to sharing information with other people. Communicationg through technology is also a perfect way to share information with students who are absent or not in the class for any reason. In general, I feel that the use of communication technology is an effective means for opening greater educational opportunities. The use of technology creates a powerful learning enviroment, where students are given the chance to aquire knowledge in an activity.
2.Tech Tool 8.1 - Teacher Website and Blog-Building Resources
In this Tech Tool, there are three different approaches to building your own teacher website or blog. As it says, it can be very costly to download your own software that will build it up for you, teachers need less expensive alternatives. The approach that would best work for me was "Approach 1 (Website and Blog-Building Software)". This certain approach gives me the option of downloading either "Dreamweaver" or "FrontPage" on my personal computer to help me set-up a personal website.I really enjoy this idea because it says to have a easy access of learning and setting up my own website, which is something that would be very helpful in the long run. Both of the programs it gives you to choose from have ranges of ways to make your website, either basic or elaborately sophisticated. I can see myself getting carried away and making tons of my own personal websites with these softwares!
3. Summary
Chapter eight really helped me understand and gather information on how I, as a teacher, can put together communication technology skills in my classroom. It mainly focuses on the variety of tools and ways you can interwine computers and other technologies with your students. I feel that email, instant messaging, threaded disscusions, boards, and blogs are all the most effective ways to bring students and teacher together. When communicating one on one you get to teach more material and in ways that make it easy and second nature to students. Communicating and Networking with websites, blogs, and more to me are the future of learning and education.
Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new
technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
1.How
can teachers use computer games and simulations as learning resources?
Now a days, children are living in
a “digital age”. They love and enjoy playing all these new and challenging
games on their IPads, IPods, IPhone, etc. It has become inevitable for children
to not be attracted to using these simulations during school. For me
personally, I feel that we as educators should allow students to play these
interactive games, but with regulations. The certain games they play in the
classroom would have to be monitored and based on the lesson. This way, the
students are having fun and are learning in a new and fun way for them. Parents
see video games and electronics as a distraction to school. They begin to see
grades decrease more and more as time passes by, but little do they know that
all these electronics could be brought to school so that they could be
incorporated into their everyday learning at school. There are some schools,
like my daughters’, that are starting to infuse a new proposition for students.
“BYOD” or “Bring Your Own Device” is a technique they are beginning to use so
that both students and teachers could interact with one another based on the
classroom materials. I feel like using electronic games and simulations is the
new way to reel children into becoming better and more successful students.
2.Tech
Tool 7.1 – Discovery Learning Using Squeak and Scratch
Just as I was
discussing in the Main Idea question, this Tech Tool goes over two new
resources teachers can use as enhancements to their students learning. While
using these tools the students are going to be engaged as well as interested,
giving them a sense of comfort, given the fact that technology is what children
are used to now. “Squeak Etoys”, is a software program that you can download free,
it specifically supports math and science teaching skills. I love how this
program reaches out to every grade level and goes into detail on the different
levels that are in both math and science. To me, this would be a very cool and
fun way to review on a certain lesson, having the students interact, hands-on
with what the material is based on. New techniques are what help students
remember and keep a hold on what it is they are learning about and I feel that
this program is a component to help.
3.Summary
This chapter touches base on the
ways educational software help problem solving and the ability for students to
learn in all grades. Not only do you have a variety of free-download based
programs to use for certain subjects of choice, but you can too consider
commercially used programs. The goal here is to intertwine education software
and its tools to students in the classroom, to also achieve this, chapter seven
goes over “NETS-T” which helps to develop and design the Digital Age Learning
Experiences and Assessments and promotes the right model citizenship and responsibility
that comes with digital technology. I find it amazing how much this different
programs and resources can really catch students attentions and have them participate
in large numbers.
Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
Teaching with
Educational Websites and Other Online Resources
1.How
are information management technologies such as booking marking, social book
marking, and information alerts useful to teachers?
All three of these information
management technologies are useful to teachers overall because they are what
enable educators and students to build their own information electronically. Book
marking, is when you have all your” favorite” websites linked at the top of your
internet page, so that it becomes easy to access. This technique is definitely a
great tool for teachers because they can categorize favorite links depending on
the specific topics, to make it easier to find when it is time to teach lessons.
When it comes to doing group actives, Social book marking is very beneficial
for teachers because they can use it in groups to exchange and when organizing
and sharing information with the whole classroom. It also lets not only
teacher, but also the students to share resources that they are particularly
working on. As for information alert, I personally think it is extremely useful
when teachers are planning a particular lesson or subject. Due to the fact that
it notifies you when there are newfound materials that can be used based on the
lessons topic.
2.TechTool 6.2 - Social Book Marking
I personally really enjoy this
social bookmarking tool. The concept of becoming a part of an online community
and gaining from everyone’s information is a great advantage. When I first
learned about Delicious I was excited and felt that it’s a great tool for
people to sort, organize, and gather together important as well as useful information all in one place.
This web-based social bookmarking tool can be used to view other teachers
accounts and also helps you note certain websites you have looked at. Being able
to use “tags”, is a whole new idea for me, but as I read about Delicious and
how to use tags, I am becoming more open to becoming a part of it. These tags
can help us teachers go back to specific pages that we have saved in a new and
easy way. Everything you have on your delicious account can be sent to friends
and other teachers who would like to share your ideas to their students! In my
everyday life at work, Delicious would help remind me where certain ideas and
web-pages are based on my lesson plans with just a click of a button.
3.Summary
This chapter discussed the
importance of information management and how teachers can incorporate all the
important and valuable sources with their students. It elaborates in detail
about how book marking, social book marking and information alerts are great
and useful tool to help enhance a lesson plan. Which to me, is something that
all teachers should look deeply into, these certain tips can make our teaching
stress-free. Along with book marking, social book marking and information
alerts, this chapter also discusses web guest and virtual field trips. It showed
me how great it is to be able to travel around the world without leaving the
classrooms through online audio, videos and pictures. Information management is
not a choice; it is an obligation to have in a class in order to have well
functioning student and teacher engagement. By considering these sources, you
could be organized and feel more comfortable with technologies new tools.
Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
