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.