Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Good Night, EDTC 5010!
Wow, what a semester! I never thought I would be the teacher helping others with their computers! I have learned so much in this class and definitely created products on my computer I never thought possible. I am proud of myself. I also found out today that my part time job will be full time next school year! I will be teaching art to K-8! I cannot wait. Thanks Dr. Fine for all of your guidance, YOU ROCK! Congrats on your graduation.
Equity and Technology
The article Critical Issue: Ensuring Equitable Use of Education Technology, written by Rosemary Bell for the North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium published in 1997, confronts the issue of how can the use of technology be equitable for all students. The main concern communicated in this article is that students who attend low income schools may already be struggling with their studies and with the integration of technology these schools may not have the funds to purchase up to date tools, therefore these students are falling farher behind the learning curve. For more details and links to resources go to:
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm
New Insights on Technology Adoptions in Schools
What are technology adoptions? As stated in the article New Insights on Technology Adoptions in Schools, written for the journal (Transforming Education Through Technology), technology adoptions are how "teachers use technology to enrich teaching." There are ultimately four stages a teacher goes through as they adopt technology into their teaching: 1. Teachers evolve to learners
2. Teachers become adopters of educational technology
3.Teachers become co-learners/ co-explorers with their students
4. Teachers reaffirm or reject decision
These for adoptions were retieved from the article found at:
http://thejournal.com/articles/2000/02/01/new-insights-on-technology-adoption-in-schools.aspx
In this day and age we as educators are about to embark on one of the biggest changes education might ever see: a technology driven curriculum, including computerized testing. Also when every child has a computer, that means the teacher will have to change their lessons to incorporate the technology being used. Weas teachers cannot be scared of integrating technology into our classrooms because it is happening all around us and maybe already has within your school. Orange County Schools in North Carolina has implemented their one-to-one iniative meaning every child in the school district will have a computer, laptop, or tablet for their individual use as of next school year!
References:
New Insights on Technology Adoptions in Schools. (2000). Retrieved from:
http://thejournal.com/articles/2000/02/01/new-insights-on-technology-adoption-in-schools.aspx
2. Teachers become adopters of educational technology
3.Teachers become co-learners/ co-explorers with their students
4. Teachers reaffirm or reject decision
These for adoptions were retieved from the article found at:
http://thejournal.com/articles/2000/02/01/new-insights-on-technology-adoption-in-schools.aspx
In this day and age we as educators are about to embark on one of the biggest changes education might ever see: a technology driven curriculum, including computerized testing. Also when every child has a computer, that means the teacher will have to change their lessons to incorporate the technology being used. Weas teachers cannot be scared of integrating technology into our classrooms because it is happening all around us and maybe already has within your school. Orange County Schools in North Carolina has implemented their one-to-one iniative meaning every child in the school district will have a computer, laptop, or tablet for their individual use as of next school year!
References:
New Insights on Technology Adoptions in Schools. (2000). Retrieved from:
http://thejournal.com/articles/2000/02/01/new-insights-on-technology-adoption-in-schools.aspx
Monday, April 16, 2012
Chapter 11 and 12 Reflections
Let me just say, I am totally defeated right now. My SMART Board Lesson is taking forever to upload to the discussion board, to where I missed my deadline and left wondering if I will receive a grade. I had a hard time learning the SMART Software and I was really proud of my lesson in which I did not use any pages from SMART Exchange. (mostly because I did not think we were supposed too, but then when I looked at other classmates they used SMART Exchange) Anyway, I created all of the pages and tools, and it took me forever, and yes, I did wait to the last minute to submit. Why did I do that? I know because I had another project due,my kids wanted my attention but I had already been at the library all day, and wanted to have every last minute to tweak it to make it perfect. AAHHHHHHHHHHH! Did I say I was frustrated and guess what.........now it is officially my birthday, and I am left feeling very unsuccessful. I have to admit, I love the rush when all of the assignments in EDTC 5010 are submitted. I am not left with that rush tonight.
Onto Chapter 11 and my reflections. But before that, I have to say that I generally take pride in my time management skills and technology was not on the same clock as me tonight! OK, no more excuses! There are many benefits of using both problem-solving and educational software in the classroom. Most problem-solving uses games which get the students attention. The text states that a "well-designed educational game is that they are structured to require application of content knowledge and skills in order to win the game!" Many principles of effective pedagogy are applied in educational games. The text describes these as individualization, feedback, active learning, motivation, and assessment. The benefits of educational software including drill and practice, tutorials, and integrated learning systems is that they provide instant feedback.
The question is, how do I chose the correct software? First, the teacher must have a lesson that is compatible with some type of computer function. here must be a match of objectives and computer functions. Once the lesson, and type of technology have been determined the teacher must find software that meets the objective/s, then one may evaluate the software for specific criteria. One very important aspect to evaluate is the ease of use. If the teacher cannot figure it out, most likely the students will not be able to either.
Some changes will need to be made when writing your lesson plan with the integration of problem-solving or educational software. The NTeQ model will address these changes with 6 of its components. Computer Functions, Research & Analysis, Results Presentation, Activities During, Before, and After will all need to be addressed.
In Chapter 12 of Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century written by Gary R. Morrison and Deborah L. Lowther the authors prepare the teacher for the implementation of using technology within the classroom. First, the teacher must be prepared before the students begin using the computers. Handouts should be available for the students with step-by-step guides, resource guides, and a task list are also good tools. Teachers must be prepared to teach the technology component of the lesson as well as the supporting activities and lessons within the unit. Before the students use the computers the text states that, one must create folders for their work, design templates, load specialized software, bookmark Internet sites, and have the computers on with the applications open. The computer part of the lesson depends on your plan. It could be during the focus and review or the teacher input. Computers should be used during the Research and Analysis part of a lesson as well. The next reflection question is: How do you ensure equal access for all students with only three students. The honest answer to that is there will be some days when you do not. With only three computers in a room and no computer lab on site, the teacher must implement the use of computers during centers. For upper grade levels, there could be a rotation throughout the day. This would take a lot of organizing to ensure there is equal access. I would teach the lesson via SMART Board or with the use of a computer and projector.
NEWS ALERT: MY SMART ACTIVITY LESSON FINALLY UPLOADED TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD USING GOOGLE CHROME!
BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!
Onto Chapter 11 and my reflections. But before that, I have to say that I generally take pride in my time management skills and technology was not on the same clock as me tonight! OK, no more excuses! There are many benefits of using both problem-solving and educational software in the classroom. Most problem-solving uses games which get the students attention. The text states that a "well-designed educational game is that they are structured to require application of content knowledge and skills in order to win the game!" Many principles of effective pedagogy are applied in educational games. The text describes these as individualization, feedback, active learning, motivation, and assessment. The benefits of educational software including drill and practice, tutorials, and integrated learning systems is that they provide instant feedback.
The question is, how do I chose the correct software? First, the teacher must have a lesson that is compatible with some type of computer function. here must be a match of objectives and computer functions. Once the lesson, and type of technology have been determined the teacher must find software that meets the objective/s, then one may evaluate the software for specific criteria. One very important aspect to evaluate is the ease of use. If the teacher cannot figure it out, most likely the students will not be able to either.
Some changes will need to be made when writing your lesson plan with the integration of problem-solving or educational software. The NTeQ model will address these changes with 6 of its components. Computer Functions, Research & Analysis, Results Presentation, Activities During, Before, and After will all need to be addressed.
In Chapter 12 of Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century written by Gary R. Morrison and Deborah L. Lowther the authors prepare the teacher for the implementation of using technology within the classroom. First, the teacher must be prepared before the students begin using the computers. Handouts should be available for the students with step-by-step guides, resource guides, and a task list are also good tools. Teachers must be prepared to teach the technology component of the lesson as well as the supporting activities and lessons within the unit. Before the students use the computers the text states that, one must create folders for their work, design templates, load specialized software, bookmark Internet sites, and have the computers on with the applications open. The computer part of the lesson depends on your plan. It could be during the focus and review or the teacher input. Computers should be used during the Research and Analysis part of a lesson as well. The next reflection question is: How do you ensure equal access for all students with only three students. The honest answer to that is there will be some days when you do not. With only three computers in a room and no computer lab on site, the teacher must implement the use of computers during centers. For upper grade levels, there could be a rotation throughout the day. This would take a lot of organizing to ensure there is equal access. I would teach the lesson via SMART Board or with the use of a computer and projector.
NEWS ALERT: MY SMART ACTIVITY LESSON FINALLY UPLOADED TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD USING GOOGLE CHROME!
BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Reflections: Chapters 11 & 12
Two weeks ago , now four weeks since I just realized I never finished this post,I started my first COMPLETE technology integrated lesson plan with my fifth grade art class. I say complete because I have been using technology by ways of my computer and the projector (we do not have SMART boards at our school) The lesson is about utilitarian design and the work of Alexander Calder. The students have been using PAINT to create their own utilitarian design. The lesson could not have gone better. All of the students were able to open the program and stayed on task, for the most part! The students also did research on Alexander Calder and the art he created. It was definitely a change in classroom management as we do not have a computer lab at our school therefore the students were using laptops, many of which had to be plugged in, creating groups of students and cords, but it never got completely chaotic. It was just difficult to assess if everyone was on task. We will be finishing up our utilitarian designs tomorrow, and I am excited to continue to truly integrate technology into my teaching.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Reflections on Spreadsheets and Word Processing
I have to admit that I am very proud of myself for actually not dropping this course. I could not even copy and paste successfully a year ago! I have learned so much this semester in EDTC 5010. Being my first semester back in school after a 14 year diversion, I can honestly say.........it is good to be back! Not only have I gained a lot of experience with different types of programs, I have been able to turn around and implement what I am learning into my lesson plans as I teach art to K-5. Don't get me wrong, it is hard. Being a mom, wife, teacher, student, volunteer within the community, I am officially tired and I have not even been exercising! Okay, enough babble and complaining, I need to get on talking to you about word processing and spreadsheets...........tomorrow, it has to be tomorrow. But while you are online reading this blog, please go vote for my school, Orange Charter School at www.lenovodreamtodo.com .
Thank you.
Thank you.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Lenovo Dream To Do Contest!
I am so excited about the Lenovo Dream To Do Contest that my school has entered! During art class my students created drawings of what they want to be when they grow up to be uploaded to the contest for people like YOU, to vote daily! So please help our school win a $50,000 Technology Makeover. Go to www.lenovodreamtodo.com and vote for Orange Charter School!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)