Mader, Jared and Ben Smith. (Aug 2009). Science + Technology=Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved Aug 3, 2009, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200908/
"Students need opportunities to use the tools of scientific and creative inquiry. So get out the microphones, digital cameras, camcorders, and probeware." (30). This article discusses the importance of technology for students. There are so many tools that can enhance their education. The article provides a three step process that will aid students to be creative. The first step is to give them tools, provide lesson plans that incorporate technological tools. The student will learn about both the digital tools and the lesson plan's content. Student will begin to acknowledge that the tools they are using are there to support and enhance their learning. As students get more and more familiar with digital tools, they will be able to choose the tools necessary to complete their assignments. The second step is to give them the time, students need the time to explore the new tool that they are using. Once students are given the opportunity to get familiar with the tool, then the will become more efficient and faster. The last step is to be vague, don't provide the student with too much detail while giving instructions on the assignment. By being vague students are given more freedom to explore and be creative with their final product. Because there are not very many guidelines provided, there will be a variety of end products not just another cookie cutter assignment.
Will I implement these three steps in my classroom?
Absolutely, I think that the last step in particular is very beneficial to the student. It allows the student to be creative and come up with something new and different. I agree with these steps, it makes sense to gives students time to explore something new and provide them the tools to do so. Many students don't have some of these digital tools at home, so it may be the first time they are using or seeing one of those tools.
Although I like the third step, does it have any cons?
Being vague isn't beneficial to all students. Some students need more direction and structure. I'm sure that there is a medium, we just have to take into consideration each student's learning styles.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Journal #8- Choosing the perfect tools for one on one
B. Bouterse, J.O.Corn, B.O.Halstead, (August 2009). Choosing the perfect tools for one-to-one, 6 Questions to consider before implementing a portable learning initiative at your school or district. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved August 7, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/AugustNo1/37115t.pdf
This article discusses how to select appropriate devices for schooling purposes. While selecting devices you must consider the needs of the teachers and students. It is important to do so because we do not want to select a device that doesn't provide the student potential. The article suggests that you consider two things when selecting a device. Consider the implementation strategies and the project outcomes. The implementation strategies are the hardware/software, technical infrastructure, and professional development. The project outcomes are the changes in teaching and learning. There should be six critical questions that schools and districts should consider:
*Will the computing device be used for single purpose or as a multipurpose machine ready to accept new software, content, or Internet capability?
*What operating system do you have the resources to support? (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux)
*Do you want to install local applications, use Web applications, or both?
*Do you install local content onto the device's hard drive, use Web content, or both?
*Will you be using peripheral equipment, such as probes, microscopes, GPS units, digital cameras, printers, or projectors?
*What can you do to project the computing device from the regular wear and tear of everyday use by students and staff?
It is crucial that before purchasing a device for schools, what is best for the students and the school be considered. Using these six questions really helps to break it down and make sure you are getting the right device for your uses.
What can be done as a future educator do provide the best device for my school?
I can make sure that my district and school read this article and consider the student's needs.
What computing device would I recommend to my school?
I would recommend that any school consider Mac OS X, I think that it is an easy to use computer. Many schools use Windows, so we don't get to see all that a Mac computer can provide for students.
This article discusses how to select appropriate devices for schooling purposes. While selecting devices you must consider the needs of the teachers and students. It is important to do so because we do not want to select a device that doesn't provide the student potential. The article suggests that you consider two things when selecting a device. Consider the implementation strategies and the project outcomes. The implementation strategies are the hardware/software, technical infrastructure, and professional development. The project outcomes are the changes in teaching and learning. There should be six critical questions that schools and districts should consider:
*Will the computing device be used for single purpose or as a multipurpose machine ready to accept new software, content, or Internet capability?
*What operating system do you have the resources to support? (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux)
*Do you want to install local applications, use Web applications, or both?
*Do you install local content onto the device's hard drive, use Web content, or both?
*Will you be using peripheral equipment, such as probes, microscopes, GPS units, digital cameras, printers, or projectors?
*What can you do to project the computing device from the regular wear and tear of everyday use by students and staff?
It is crucial that before purchasing a device for schools, what is best for the students and the school be considered. Using these six questions really helps to break it down and make sure you are getting the right device for your uses.
What can be done as a future educator do provide the best device for my school?
I can make sure that my district and school read this article and consider the student's needs.
What computing device would I recommend to my school?
I would recommend that any school consider Mac OS X, I think that it is an easy to use computer. Many schools use Windows, so we don't get to see all that a Mac computer can provide for students.
Journal #7- Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities
Reynard, Ruth (15 July, 2009). Beyond social networking: building toward learning communities. The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology, Retrieved July 29, 2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=1
Ruth Reynard discusses the use of social networking among young crowds, she adds that older groups of people are developing technological skills. We see more and more people using social networking, not just young people. Reynard gives us information on how social networking can help students but also how it doesn't. She bring up that "if educators only integrate the ability of students to connect and socialize, deeper points of learning will be missed." Being a good teacher or a good students heavily depends on 'effective relationships' with an effective learning community. The relationship that are formed will continue to grow, and help students interact and exchange ideas. Younger generations are the ones who are changing the way things are done, by incorporating technology. Technology enhances the learning and teaching process in the classroom. Reynard mentions that in a regular classroom a teacher would have to plan ahead, group and pair students, and give them instruction. Why would we want to do all that when we could make it happen immediately, using social networking. These are some suggestions that Reynard gives in the article in order to help accomplish an effective social networking system. 1. Maintain a constant presence, understand student's views on social networking. 2. Use a variety of different tools to process information. 3. Actively synthesize broadly scoped ideas into workable focus areas. 4. Continue to engage students.
How can teachers do to keep up the growing technology?
I think that it may be hard for many teachers to keep up with the newest technology. There is so much out there and it continues to expand. Teachers need to attend tutorials and workshops in order to keep themselves informed and provide the best schooling for their students. Because we all know we have had one or two professors that call a student up to help with the projector or the computer. Not that its a big deal but I think it is important as an educator to provide students with information on technology. Technology is a big part of society!
Does social networking provide more learning styles for students?
I think that students who don't participate much in class, will be more incline to participating. Shy students will get the opportunity to express their opinions or raise any questions they may have without feeling embarassed. This will create more participation and active learning!
Ruth Reynard discusses the use of social networking among young crowds, she adds that older groups of people are developing technological skills. We see more and more people using social networking, not just young people. Reynard gives us information on how social networking can help students but also how it doesn't. She bring up that "if educators only integrate the ability of students to connect and socialize, deeper points of learning will be missed." Being a good teacher or a good students heavily depends on 'effective relationships' with an effective learning community. The relationship that are formed will continue to grow, and help students interact and exchange ideas. Younger generations are the ones who are changing the way things are done, by incorporating technology. Technology enhances the learning and teaching process in the classroom. Reynard mentions that in a regular classroom a teacher would have to plan ahead, group and pair students, and give them instruction. Why would we want to do all that when we could make it happen immediately, using social networking. These are some suggestions that Reynard gives in the article in order to help accomplish an effective social networking system. 1. Maintain a constant presence, understand student's views on social networking. 2. Use a variety of different tools to process information. 3. Actively synthesize broadly scoped ideas into workable focus areas. 4. Continue to engage students.
How can teachers do to keep up the growing technology?
I think that it may be hard for many teachers to keep up with the newest technology. There is so much out there and it continues to expand. Teachers need to attend tutorials and workshops in order to keep themselves informed and provide the best schooling for their students. Because we all know we have had one or two professors that call a student up to help with the projector or the computer. Not that its a big deal but I think it is important as an educator to provide students with information on technology. Technology is a big part of society!
Does social networking provide more learning styles for students?
I think that students who don't participate much in class, will be more incline to participating. Shy students will get the opportunity to express their opinions or raise any questions they may have without feeling embarassed. This will create more participation and active learning!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Excel Crossword Puzzle
Excel crossword puzzle is digital and interactive. This crossword puzzle follows the NETS 2C: customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources
Inspiration- NETS for Teachers
Inspiration follows NETS 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.
Participation and Attendance
Reflect on your favorite assignment from the course...
I found all the assignments to be fun and interesting! I learned something new throughout this entire class. I wish I would have taken the semester long class, in order to get more out of the class. My all time favorite assignment was the tool I am using now, the blog! It was my favorite because I learned to create a page and upload my assignments. Using a blog for educational purposes is fantastic. I find that it is helpful for students to use blogs, and give their opinion on any topic. Shy students, will tend to be more quiet in the classroom setting and the blog allows them to express themselves through writing. This way students are able to participate, using the learning style that is best for them. A blog is a great tool to show case all of your assignments.
I found all the assignments to be fun and interesting! I learned something new throughout this entire class. I wish I would have taken the semester long class, in order to get more out of the class. My all time favorite assignment was the tool I am using now, the blog! It was my favorite because I learned to create a page and upload my assignments. Using a blog for educational purposes is fantastic. I find that it is helpful for students to use blogs, and give their opinion on any topic. Shy students, will tend to be more quiet in the classroom setting and the blog allows them to express themselves through writing. This way students are able to participate, using the learning style that is best for them. A blog is a great tool to show case all of your assignments.
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