Some issues relating to teacher training in technology are not providing technology professional development workshops, and lack of participation among teachers and administrators. I believe that many school systems have technology but do not allocate funding nor time to training their teachers in the effective use of technology. Additionally, if school administrators do not place a large emphasis on technology training, then it would be quite difficult for teachers to take technology professional development serious. It is up to the administrators to value technology professional development and strongly encourage their teachers to attend.
The collaboration between K-12 and higher education institutions can help in training teachers to integrate technology. Higher education institutions can serve as the catalyst for change in helping K-12 teachers experience a high comfort level of using technology. Since higher education institutions are concerned with cutting edge research, they can help K-12 by demonstrating the effective use of technology. Additionally, the continual collaboration would help students learn more in the classroom.
It is very important to obtain legislative, community, and government support toward planning statewide technology teacher training. I believe that in order to undertake a massive project, it will take the concerted effort of many people working together to promote the technology initiative. This will definitely require a lot of buy in from legislative, community, and local government. If people are convinced that a plan would work, then they are more apt to support it. It is imperative to keep people abreast and involved every step along the way to ensure the project would be a success.
I believe that the type of training that teachers need concerning technology training is utilizing the teachers training teachers models. By taking a teacher from a school and training this teacher to become the technology facilitator for his or her school could be a great asset. I believe that this individual would have the capability of helping all teachers move towards integrating more technology in the classroom. Additionally, this person would be on site to provide continual technical support and recommendation.
The type of support that teachers need to continue their professional development is administrative support. School administrators play an important role in encouraging their teachers to attend professional development. I also believe that school administrators may consider providing teachers with some type of incentives to get them to attend professional development.
If ALL teachers have full technology support and proper professional development in using technology, the classroom environment may look like college classrooms. I believe that teachers would not rely on the traditional white board to write notes on. Rather, teachers would begin to jot down notes on the SmartBoard. I believe that students would be able to sit in front of a computer and take notes or to view a personal copy of the teacher’s notes in PowerPoint. The classrooma may also utilize Promethean boards and students would be able to respond to the teachers’ question by inputting their responses into a personal device that is connected to a centralized hub. Afterwards, the teacher can display students’ choices on the Promethean board. I believe that if ALL teachers have full technology support, the classrooms would look far more advanced.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Week Six (Chapters Ten and Eleven): Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Assistive Technologies/Universal Design) – Clip: UD for Special Needs
There are several advantages of universal design in education. According to the video, a great design is a design for all. In today’s world, it is simply not enough to have a “one-size fits all” approach in education. Through universal design in education, individuals with various learning styles, learning needs, or learning difficulties would not be deprived of an adequate education. Additionally, universal design in education is ensuring that all students learn but not necessarily at the same pace. Lastly, universal design in education is advantageous to helping all students feel competent because teachers could meet students where they are and bring them to a higher level in learning.
A universal design textbook could work for students with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. There are many situations in which students with various learning disabilities are mainstreamed without the appropriate resources to become highly successful in the classroom. In other cases, teachers may not be adequately trained to work with such students. These students may be sitting in a class but may be reading several grade levels below the particular class that they are currently in. It is almost impossible to expect for those students to be successful. As long as students are promoted to the next grade, the problem worsens. I believe that a universal design textbook may be able to help students learn. These electronic books would provide a slider that students could move from various levels, such as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Additionally, students would be given the option of selecting to read electronic books with more pictures and less words per screen.
My thoughts about integrating universal design to meet the needs of the “individual” student are favorable. I believe that each student has unique learning needs. Educators have the responsibility to get to know their students so they would gain a better perspective of how their students learn. By integrating universal design, teachers would be able to ensure that each student becomes successful.
As stated in the prior paragraphs, I believe that education can benefit from universal design. Again, there is not a “one-size fit all” approach to educating students. By incorporating a universal design, it is a possibility that all students would benefit from a quality education. This is similar to providing each student with an IEP.
I could benefit from universal design because my instructors would understand my learning needs and tailor assignments that would build upon my strengths. Additionally, these assignments would help to improve my weak areas. I could also benefit from universal design because I would spend more time working on assignments that are meaningful and less time on redundant assignments.
A universal design textbook could work for students with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. There are many situations in which students with various learning disabilities are mainstreamed without the appropriate resources to become highly successful in the classroom. In other cases, teachers may not be adequately trained to work with such students. These students may be sitting in a class but may be reading several grade levels below the particular class that they are currently in. It is almost impossible to expect for those students to be successful. As long as students are promoted to the next grade, the problem worsens. I believe that a universal design textbook may be able to help students learn. These electronic books would provide a slider that students could move from various levels, such as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Additionally, students would be given the option of selecting to read electronic books with more pictures and less words per screen.
My thoughts about integrating universal design to meet the needs of the “individual” student are favorable. I believe that each student has unique learning needs. Educators have the responsibility to get to know their students so they would gain a better perspective of how their students learn. By integrating universal design, teachers would be able to ensure that each student becomes successful.
As stated in the prior paragraphs, I believe that education can benefit from universal design. Again, there is not a “one-size fit all” approach to educating students. By incorporating a universal design, it is a possibility that all students would benefit from a quality education. This is similar to providing each student with an IEP.
I could benefit from universal design because my instructors would understand my learning needs and tailor assignments that would build upon my strengths. Additionally, these assignments would help to improve my weak areas. I could also benefit from universal design because I would spend more time working on assignments that are meaningful and less time on redundant assignments.
Week Six (Chapters Ten and Eleven): Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Florida Virtual School Part II) – Clip: Options for Virtual Students
According to the video, the students discussed many advantages concerning online learning. For instance, one student was able to attend virtual school in order to obtain credits for several courses opposed to having to attend summer school. This student stated that she enjoys virtual school because she did not have to worry about being interrupted by other students who were not concerned about their education. Furthermore, she stated that she did not have to listen to students complaining about their teachers assigning an excessive amount of homework.
The other students that were interviewed in the video appeared to live busy lives because of their commitment toward extracurricular activities. Through virtual schools, these students were able to attend school when it was convenient for them. These students stated that if they were not able to complete all of their assignments during the traditional school week, then they were able to attend virtual school on the weekend. One of the students who was enrolled into a couple of AP courses stated that the quality of learning was much improved compared to traditional schools because of the one-on-one attention he received from his teachers.
The parents’ appeared to have several optimistic views toward online learning. One parent stated that the instructions and guidance presented in the virtual school were very easy to understand. This parent also stated that teachers were constantly giving her feedback regarding her daughter’s academic performance. This parent felt that she did not ever have to wonder about her daughter’s performance because she would receive frequent calls and updates from teachers. The other two parents experienced similar situations. They stated that they felt a personal connection with their children’s teachers. In fact, one parent believed that she would not have received this level of connection if her students were enrolled into a traditional school.
The teachers’ overall view toward online learning was to make their students feel as if he or she is the only student in the class. Based on the students’ remarks, this was the theme. Apparently, the teachers wanted for students to realize that they were able to accomplish the tasks that were set before them. In difficult cases, the teachers were there to help students resolve their problems. Additionally, some of the teachers allowed students to re-submit assignments to demonstrate improvement.
If states would offer more courses online, there would be several benefits that would emerge from it. I can see how virtual schools could be used to address the learning needs of different learners. Based on the video, it appeared that each student that was being interviewed enjoyed learning on their own. I wondered how virtual schools could be used to help those students that are falling through the academic cracks and dropping out of school. So, in order to address the question, I believe that a benefit is to increase the number of students graduating high school. When students are being expelled from school, then they are not learning by sitting at home. I believe that virtual schools may be one solution to the problem. Another emerging benefit is to address the needs of teacher shortage in rural, public education. It is often difficult for rural school systems to recruit, hire, and retain quality AP teachers. I believe that virtual schools would be advantageous in helping AP students from these areas to receive an adequate education.
A limitation towards virtual learning that the people in the video did not address could be what it takes for students to be successful. Another limitation, which is also mentioned above, is strategically finding a way to use virtual schools to address the academic achievement gap and attainment in the United States.
I believe that the limitations could be resolved through research and concerned educators. It takes a certain set of quality and characteristics for students to be successful in virtual schools. Prior to students enrolling in virtual schools, they should be screened and interviewed. Through future research and dedicated educators, virtual school can help many students to attain their academic and personal goals.
The other students that were interviewed in the video appeared to live busy lives because of their commitment toward extracurricular activities. Through virtual schools, these students were able to attend school when it was convenient for them. These students stated that if they were not able to complete all of their assignments during the traditional school week, then they were able to attend virtual school on the weekend. One of the students who was enrolled into a couple of AP courses stated that the quality of learning was much improved compared to traditional schools because of the one-on-one attention he received from his teachers.
The parents’ appeared to have several optimistic views toward online learning. One parent stated that the instructions and guidance presented in the virtual school were very easy to understand. This parent also stated that teachers were constantly giving her feedback regarding her daughter’s academic performance. This parent felt that she did not ever have to wonder about her daughter’s performance because she would receive frequent calls and updates from teachers. The other two parents experienced similar situations. They stated that they felt a personal connection with their children’s teachers. In fact, one parent believed that she would not have received this level of connection if her students were enrolled into a traditional school.
The teachers’ overall view toward online learning was to make their students feel as if he or she is the only student in the class. Based on the students’ remarks, this was the theme. Apparently, the teachers wanted for students to realize that they were able to accomplish the tasks that were set before them. In difficult cases, the teachers were there to help students resolve their problems. Additionally, some of the teachers allowed students to re-submit assignments to demonstrate improvement.
If states would offer more courses online, there would be several benefits that would emerge from it. I can see how virtual schools could be used to address the learning needs of different learners. Based on the video, it appeared that each student that was being interviewed enjoyed learning on their own. I wondered how virtual schools could be used to help those students that are falling through the academic cracks and dropping out of school. So, in order to address the question, I believe that a benefit is to increase the number of students graduating high school. When students are being expelled from school, then they are not learning by sitting at home. I believe that virtual schools may be one solution to the problem. Another emerging benefit is to address the needs of teacher shortage in rural, public education. It is often difficult for rural school systems to recruit, hire, and retain quality AP teachers. I believe that virtual schools would be advantageous in helping AP students from these areas to receive an adequate education.
A limitation towards virtual learning that the people in the video did not address could be what it takes for students to be successful. Another limitation, which is also mentioned above, is strategically finding a way to use virtual schools to address the academic achievement gap and attainment in the United States.
I believe that the limitations could be resolved through research and concerned educators. It takes a certain set of quality and characteristics for students to be successful in virtual schools. Prior to students enrolling in virtual schools, they should be screened and interviewed. Through future research and dedicated educators, virtual school can help many students to attain their academic and personal goals.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Week Five (Chapter Nine): Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Methods to Classroom) – Clip: Using a Class Web Page for Learning
The teacher uses Web pages, Web resources, and software applications to teach student from various backgrounds French language and culture through the use of WebQuest. The teacher created a WebQuest and provided a link for students to access through her personal Web site. From this technology tool, students were able to research a famous French person that had a huge impact on the country of France. Students were instructed to write a biography and to include a bibliography containing all of the Web sites that he or she used within the manuscript. The teacher was pretty much open to allowing students to create a PowerPoint presentation in which students could incorporate their biography.
The other resources that this teacher could have included onto her Web page or the other technology-related activities that this teacher could have done are having her students electronically chat with a class of students located in France. This could possibly help her students to learn how to write more fluently in French. Additionally, this teacher could also allow for her students to create a Web blog containing their papers. Afterwards, students would be instructed to visit their classmates Web blog and add their comments.
The students’ feedback/reactions to using technology to learn French culture and language are very optimistic. These students appeared to have a level of confidence that demonstrated that this assignment was not too daunting. I believe that the students were excited that were going to write a paper using technology to enhance their learning process.
In general, technology can help students learn a foreign language and culture by bringing many resources to an individual with the touch of a mouse. Through the effective use of technology, it makes learning a foreign language and culture easier to understand and learn. Students are able to experience virtual tours and feel as if they are actually living in a specific culture.
The other resources that this teacher could have included onto her Web page or the other technology-related activities that this teacher could have done are having her students electronically chat with a class of students located in France. This could possibly help her students to learn how to write more fluently in French. Additionally, this teacher could also allow for her students to create a Web blog containing their papers. Afterwards, students would be instructed to visit their classmates Web blog and add their comments.
The students’ feedback/reactions to using technology to learn French culture and language are very optimistic. These students appeared to have a level of confidence that demonstrated that this assignment was not too daunting. I believe that the students were excited that were going to write a paper using technology to enhance their learning process.
In general, technology can help students learn a foreign language and culture by bringing many resources to an individual with the touch of a mouse. Through the effective use of technology, it makes learning a foreign language and culture easier to understand and learn. Students are able to experience virtual tours and feel as if they are actually living in a specific culture.
Week Five (Chapters Eight and Nine): • Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Digital Text) – Clip: Using Technology to Teach Reading
There were different types of technologies used in the video clip to help students understand the concepts of the Civil War and write a cohesive written report. Students were instructed to read various Web sites regarding the Civil War and to write down several bulleted statements. Afterwards, students were encouraged to sum up what they have read and written to create a newspaper article. In one particular instance, students were to write an article which uncovered the plot of several notable assassinations throughout United States’ history. Students also used Excel to create graphs and had to analyze their data. This information was used to help students understand the concepts of the Civil War.
All of the technology-related activities have helped students develop their reading comprehension and writing ability. For instance, students learned how to take control of their learning process by taking one step at a time. Students were given explicit directions regarding how they should approach a reading assignment. For example, students would read a paragraph and write down one or two main ideas. Afterwards, students would focus on these ideas and begin to write a short paragraph. At the end, students were able to write a cohesive paper.
The teachers brought aspects of other subject areas into this lesson, such as music and politics, by locating relevant resources. Based on the Civil War era, the teacher was able to tie in the national anthem and other related resources to enhance the learning process. This particular learning strategy helps students to gain a broader perspective.
As a teacher in this classroom, there are several changes that I would see in my students toward reading, writing, social studies, and using technology tools. I believe that a great strategy is to link other content areas with my area of content (science). Often times, some science standards are difficult to teach because they are abstract in nature. Therefore, I believe that I could incorporate technology to help students enjoy readings. Additionally, students would be encouraged to write papers and prepare presentations through the use of technology.
All of the technology-related activities have helped students develop their reading comprehension and writing ability. For instance, students learned how to take control of their learning process by taking one step at a time. Students were given explicit directions regarding how they should approach a reading assignment. For example, students would read a paragraph and write down one or two main ideas. Afterwards, students would focus on these ideas and begin to write a short paragraph. At the end, students were able to write a cohesive paper.
The teachers brought aspects of other subject areas into this lesson, such as music and politics, by locating relevant resources. Based on the Civil War era, the teacher was able to tie in the national anthem and other related resources to enhance the learning process. This particular learning strategy helps students to gain a broader perspective.
As a teacher in this classroom, there are several changes that I would see in my students toward reading, writing, social studies, and using technology tools. I believe that a great strategy is to link other content areas with my area of content (science). Often times, some science standards are difficult to teach because they are abstract in nature. Therefore, I believe that I could incorporate technology to help students enjoy readings. Additionally, students would be encouraged to write papers and prepare presentations through the use of technology.
Week Four (Chapters Six and Seven): • Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Methods to Classroom) – Clip: A Dinosaur WebQuest
Some advantages of using WebQuests in education are enhancing the learning process through various means. Based on the video, the second graders appeared to be proactively learning opposed to having to listen to a lecture. This method of learning allow for students to take ownership of their learning process. Another advantage is the use of WebQuests allows students to explore learning strands through technological research. Students were engaged in the learning process because the assignments encouraged each student in a three-member group to be responsible for specific tasks. Hence, students learned by uncovering answers using various Web sites. At the end, students were able to take what they had research and convert it to a presentation to share with the entire class. Students were assessed based on how they performed on a test.
There are some problems that students may encounter if a WebQuest (that has pre-selected Web sites) are not used in learning. If the teacher does not access or discuss those Web sites, it may discourage students from accessing those same Web sites in the future. Students may only access the Web sites that they are most comfortable with and the ones that were discussed in class. Another problem is students may not know how to navigate specific Web sites that were not discussed in class. This could also become a problem in students’ learning.
There are many benefits in which “structured” learning through a technology medium can help improve learning. One way is that it incorporates kinesthetic learning through a technology medium. Many students enjoy using technology and are quite efficient. The use of technology can enhance how students learn and grasp learning concepts. Another benefit is that it helps students to remain on task through an outline that teachers should originate prior to students coming to class. When students follow the prescribed “structure,” they are ensuring that each learning strand and objective will be covered.
If I were charged with the task to design a WebQuest, I would be sure to align the learning strands and objectives with the content contained in WebQuest. Afterwards, I would locate some Web sites that would provide my students with the appropriate hands-on experience. Lastly, I would familiarize myself in using and navigating through each Web site.
There are some problems that students may encounter if a WebQuest (that has pre-selected Web sites) are not used in learning. If the teacher does not access or discuss those Web sites, it may discourage students from accessing those same Web sites in the future. Students may only access the Web sites that they are most comfortable with and the ones that were discussed in class. Another problem is students may not know how to navigate specific Web sites that were not discussed in class. This could also become a problem in students’ learning.
There are many benefits in which “structured” learning through a technology medium can help improve learning. One way is that it incorporates kinesthetic learning through a technology medium. Many students enjoy using technology and are quite efficient. The use of technology can enhance how students learn and grasp learning concepts. Another benefit is that it helps students to remain on task through an outline that teachers should originate prior to students coming to class. When students follow the prescribed “structure,” they are ensuring that each learning strand and objective will be covered.
If I were charged with the task to design a WebQuest, I would be sure to align the learning strands and objectives with the content contained in WebQuest. Afterwards, I would locate some Web sites that would provide my students with the appropriate hands-on experience. Lastly, I would familiarize myself in using and navigating through each Web site.
Week Four (Chapters Six and Seven): Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Virtual Chem Lab) – Clip: Virtual Chemistry Labs
Three advantages of using simulations in a chemistry lab are (1) students can perform a lab demonstration using any chemical that are located in the stockroom, (2) students are allowed to use various chemicals and manipulate them without having to face any real hazards, and (3) students are able to apply principles and theories learned in class and determine whether or not it works. Additionally, there are other advantages to using simulations in a chemistry lab, such as helping students to explore their creativity in order to create an unknown substance. For the teacher, they can minimize preparation time before going to class because it is not necessary to gather real chemicals. This is also cost effective for school districts because they do not have to purchase these costly chemicals.
There are several advantages in using simulations for other content areas that may contain a certain risk for students and/or something that students would not normally experience. First, it helps to equal the “academic learning field” in which all students can be exposed to kinesthetic tasks that may require a certain level of risk or visiting a country abroad. This advantage helps to eliminate the financial obstacle from the equation. For instance, even if school districts could not possibly afford to have a physical science lab, students do not have to miss out on the opportunity to perform virtual science lab experiments. This is also cost effective for the school district.
I believe that the type of learning strategies and/or classroom environments that would work best for computer simulations is based on Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theories. Based on this learning strategy, teachers are able to meet and address students’ various learning styles.
There are several advantages in using simulations for other content areas that may contain a certain risk for students and/or something that students would not normally experience. First, it helps to equal the “academic learning field” in which all students can be exposed to kinesthetic tasks that may require a certain level of risk or visiting a country abroad. This advantage helps to eliminate the financial obstacle from the equation. For instance, even if school districts could not possibly afford to have a physical science lab, students do not have to miss out on the opportunity to perform virtual science lab experiments. This is also cost effective for the school district.
I believe that the type of learning strategies and/or classroom environments that would work best for computer simulations is based on Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theories. Based on this learning strategy, teachers are able to meet and address students’ various learning styles.
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