Chapter 7 (due October 31)

"Evaluating Educational Technology and Intergration Strategies"

The main purpose of this chapter is to help me evaluate how much and what type of technology to integrate into my classroom. With the easy access of the Web, sometimes finding the right type of software and technology can be difficult. The first place the book recommends to look in the vast pool of technology resources is to the district and state software. Often teachers can obtain software packages like these on a state supported web site or in print. Other helpful tips for finding technology included asking colleagues, or attending technology conferences.

After finding a potential software package, always evaulate it. The book recommends using a rubric that includes appropriateness, accuracy, ease of use, and relevance to curriculum. Many packages provide a free trial for this purpose. There are many rubrics available through schools, (on pages 407-408) and online. However, like we have discussed in one assignment, not all web sites are reliable. Therefore, we must be able to evaluate the web site itself and test the validity of its information (rubrics on pages 412-413).

In a similar manner, as teachers we must learn to create rubrics and evaluations in order to evaluate our students.

An important part of teaching is creating lesson plans. While fitting technology into already set lessons is one method, a more effective method of utilizing technology is to rethink the lessons and creatively redesign teaching strategies with technology in mind. There is even a way to access help in this area on the web. For example, the book gives a sample lesson plan in the Language Arts area. It's an interesting assignment that uses a video camera and editing software. The focus is on analyzing, research, and writing a news report.

Since my last post, I have really started thinking about ways to change my thinking about what type of technology can be used in the classroom. In the beginning I was really skeptical as to what part technology could really play in the classroom, but now Im seeing the diverse ways that it can be introduced into all spectrums of education.

Chapter 6 (Due October 24)

A curriculum is defined as "the knowledge, skills, and performance standards students are expected to acquire in particular grade levels, or through sequences [of]...subject matter." It is usually dictated by the state and district levels. In recent days technology integration into curriculums is becoming more prevalent to enhance learning and meet curriculum standards. Chapter six deals with how we, as teachers, can integrate technology sucessfully and appropriately into our classrooms.

One way schools have been integrating technology is through computer labs. They provide many computers that can have tutorial software, and access to a wide range of information. While this is easier to maintain, and provides computers for teachers to schedule, the book shows that technology is more effective when actually used within the classroom. Technology is more likely to be used if it is at the tip of a finger. The convience of in-classroom computers allows teachers to respond more readily to teachable moments, which we learned about in Intro to Education recently. By using technological sources, teachers have access to a greater pool of information at a fingers click. This is very useful when it comes to wanting to allow the students to find an answer to a question on their own.

Another integral topic this chapter discussed was lesson planning and technology. When teachers integrate technology into their lessons, the book argues that students develop their own digital literacy and they are motivated to learn. This is where the ASSURE model comes into the picture. ASSURE= Analyze the learner, State objectives, Select Methods Media and Materials, Utilize MMM, Require Learner participation, and Evaluate and revise. These are pretty self explanatory but I see a connection to the description of a good teacher that we have been studying in our other class. Especially with the last point, the E. It relates to being a "reflective practioner" and a professional in the field.

In this chapter I realized that there is more to technology in the classroom then just whipping up a PowerPoint sometimes. It's important for learner growth and development, especially if I want to teach high schoolers who will be needing to be technologically literate before entering the job market. When students are involved in learning through digital media and technology in general they are more likely to be motivated to learn and retain what they have discovered. This is a fact I will take with me.

Chapter 5 (due October 17)

Digital Media is a branch of multimedia that has become its own discipline. One of the central parts of digital media is interaction. This allows for individual instruction and exploration, which enhances the educational value of computer technology. Software in this field is often referred to as interactive digital media, which allows users to move through the material at their own pace. This is extremely applicable to education, as all students work at different paces in acquiring information and concepts. This ability to interact with different medias is the most unique and important feature of digital media! It can aid in encouraging students to think independantly and creatively. This field of multimedia could also affect us as teachers through online professional development training for teachers.

Another application of digital media is in the area of educational software applications. These applications are used to support learning and teaching. This type of software offers many different routes such as risk-free skill checks, instant feedback, reviews, and online exploration of information. Another topic that I think falls under this is Computer-assisted instruction. This type of program helps teach facts or skills associated with a certain subject. I think this includes tutorial programs as well, such as SAM that comes along with this course.

Speaking of tutorials, since my last post I have done the powerpoint tutorial and I have learned how to do a bunch of fancy stuff on PowerPoint! I am excited to see how my powerpoint for the class comes out. This is obviously a helpful tool in the classroom. Though I dont believe that PowerPoint needs to be in every lesson I think that when used sparcely in the classroom it can be very helpful in presenting information in a creative way.

Chapter 4 Post (due Oct 10)

INPUT- what you enter into the memory of the computer. It is categorized into data, programs, commands, and user responses. "Data is a collection of unorganized facts." The computer then organizes it into words, numbers, etc. A program tells a computer how to perform tasks. They respond to commands issued by a user. A command is an instruction given to a program. It's given by using keywords that serve as cues to the program to perform tasks. User responses involve a program asking a question and depending on the response it performs (or doesnt) certain tasks. In order to input into the computer you need input devices. These devices are any technology that allows you to put information into the computer. Input devices include keyboards, mouses, scanners, digital cameras, etc.

On the other side is output. Output is the processed input of the computer. It comes it different forms such as text, graphics, videos, and other comprehendable uses. Output devices include screens, printers, and faxes.

From reading some of my peers posts, I have learned that many of us are in the same position. While we know the basics of what we are doing, we have been learning faster and easier ways to perform different tasks on the computer. Also, I was glad to hear that many others were not aware of how the internet functioned before the past units. I think that we are all on pretty much the same page with technology.

By understanding how computers function, I can make sure that I use the most efficient way to get things done. This way if something seems to be wrong or if there is a faster way to accomplish tasks I will know how to do that. I can also incorporate newer technology such as digital cameras in my classroom to give students different ways to express the information in class. Also, I have been finding new little tasks that Microsoft Word can do and its fun to mess around with all the interesting things involved in the program. These shortcuts can save me time in putting together whatever I need to complete. I havent had much exposure to PowerPoint so I am looking forward to learning about it in the coming weeks.

Chapter 3 Post (due Oct 3)

Application Software includes programs such as word processors, and email programs. Application software, or programs, is designed "to perform specific taks for users." These programs make it easier for students and teachers to create documents and communicate. They can also be used for digital gradebooks, student management, research, and email communication.

Similarly, productivity software is "designed to make people more effective and efficient." Many of the previously mentioned applications are also productivity software programs. The most widespread one is word processing programs such as Microsoft Word. These programs will be very helpful in a classroom. Teachers need to be effective and extremely efficient in their classroom so that their students can obtain the greatest amount of knowledge in and out of class.

To spice up word documents and presentations you would use a graphics or multimedia program. These programs allow you to integrate pictures, drawings, and graphics into worksheets or presentations. This can help keep student's attention, and aid in retention.

Understanding what software programs can so for me is important for learning to manage a classroom. It is helpful to realize the depth of computer use. By learning how I can utilize the computer, I can have better organization in my classroom, and increased communication with my future students.