Reflective post!

Every experience in life is an opportunity to learn and move forward; this class was just that, a stepping stone towards a great goal. My views on technology and education have not changed, however my understand of technology and education have. I was introduced to new programs and tools to enhance my students learning, and how to use these technologies appropriately.

A topic we discussed during this semester was that of smartphones, should they to be allowed in class? If so, to what extent? Just to humor you, my opinion stays the same. Smartphone are some of the most powerful computer, and have become an important part of live; to communicate, for entertainment, business, and education. As longs as there are limitations, regulations, and appropriate consequences for infractions.

A second topic I discussed this semester was that of building a digital identity. This refers back to what a teacher knows about technology, where the teachers strengths and weaknesses lie. How does a teacher teach, is the teacher responsible with technology, and does the teacher maintain professionalism on programs like social media.

Even though this was an online class, I had the pleasure of interacting with classmates through discussions, and working together on an online project, our lesson plan. The discussion were really well thought out by the students that I read, and enhanced my understanding on the topic discussed. I also received some great feedback from my classmates, in return, I tried to send well thought out replies.

Overall, I had a great time in this class. I have never written a blog, I have never made a website, never devised a lesson plan before this class. Now I feel comfortable with the blogging idea, websites are a blast to make, and lesson plans are still a little rocky, but they can only get better. I have learned tons, and am grateful for the experience.



Sources:
Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Blog # K

The first topic that I would like to discuss this week would be, Information Alerts, e-Newsletters and RSS Feeds. It is my humble opinion that it is important to keep up to date with the latest information to know that one is teaching the most accurate information with the most appropriate method. The book mentions Google alerts, and e-newsletters as methods to keep up to date with the latest information.

My second topic of discussion is going to be Videoconferencing. MSN messenger was a really big thing when I was younger, we would be able live chat and have audio conferences. Now there are classes being taught by professors not even in the same city as the students. These is definitely a powerful tool that I can only see evolving in the future. Videoconferenceing has changed the lives of many. People are now able to communicate face to face, even when they are thousands of miles away. Make human relationships more fluid.

The final topic for this week will be Educational Websites as Teaching Resources. The book mentions that there are thousand of educational websites that are maintained by colleges and universities, government agencies, nonprofits, etc. This portion of the chapter brings up an award that I have never heard of, the Webby Awards. These are awarded to developers of websites, including the educational, political, science, art, and social activism.



Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Blog Post #J

Our first topic for this weeks blog will be, The Role of  Assessment in Teaching and Learning. This section of the chapter really puts a couple things in perspective. We are going to have educators, colleague, future employers assessing one to evaluate performance. Of course we evaluate the students, but the teachers have to being their part as well, and what a better way, then to have someone sit in and evaluate. How the classroom is being managed, if one has any chemistry with the students, and if one is also involved with the students families. The book continues with student assessment, grades, oral presentations, individual assignments,and cooperative assignments. He is where the question is asked, "Are Students learning?" and then as a teacher one wants to solve the problem by asking "What can I do to change this?" If a student is falling behind.

The second topic we will be discussing will be, digital portfolios for students. I remember when I was much younger the phase, "Personal Record." I would always envision a big binder detailing every aspect of my behavior, and academic history. The book mentions that when binders where being used only a select few would be able to have access to ones information. Now, we have digital portfolios and these portfolios can be seen by anyone with access to the information. There are many advantages to having these e-portfolios, the accessibility, portability, the speed at which one can receive the information. The book names a few disadvantages, though I do not completely agree. The book considers it a disadvantage for students to have to learn to used a computer, camera, scanner, and different programs and software. Where I see this as an opportunity to advance students academically and getting them ready for what the would is throwing at them.

The next topic for this week, Reasons for Teaching with Clickers. The book mentions, the clickers are a great way to get students involved, and create an active learning environment. I used clickers back when I was studying at USF, and I would say they do a good job at maintaining students attention. Partly because I felt like I was on a game of Jeopardy, but it also gave real time results, and competition was a great motivator. Clickers could be used in fun ways, have the students pair in groups, design learning games with these clickers, and use them once a day with different topics.


Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.)

digital post #1

The chapter this week was all about lesson plans, and how to use technology to develop, and enhance a lesson plan. The first topic that I would like to focus on would be, Academic Content (What to Teach). This section of the chapter briefly mentions, state and national standards that must be taught in schools; helping to answer the question, what to teach. What it continues to discuss is, digital content on the internet that can help when creating a lesson plan. I have used C-Palms to evaluate lesson plans for a previous class. C-Palms is an excellent site, it gives you options for exceptionalities, for gifted, students that speak different languages, and even gives you the standard it focuses on.

My second focus for this week is going to be, Test Assessments. The book separates this topic into two different categories, Norm-reference tests, and Criterion-reference tests. Norm-reference test, try to compare the abilities of students in the same grade level. They are normally graded on a bell curve; with a percentage of students scoring well, and a percentage scoring not so well. An example of a Norm-reference test would be an IQ Test. A Criterion-reference test, tries to test the ability of a student in a specific subject. Normally, these test are not graded on a curve, they are meant to test the a students understanding on a certain subject; rather than comparing them to other students. An example of a Criterion-reference test would be a spelling test.

The final focus in this weeks chapter is, New Approaches to Assessment. This section of the chapter discusses the role that standardized has take in education. The tone of the text suggests that the author might agree that, we teach our students around a test; rather than testing our students on what we teach. Personally, I understand both sides. There needs to be guidelines as to what is being taught to students, but at the same time a teacher should have room to teach miscellaneous material, that the teacher considers important.  

Digital Blog #H

I can remember learning how to create a PowerPoint presentation, I enjoyed being able to create my own background, effects, and present the information I gathered. This is why I am starting out with PowerPoint and Next-Generation Presentation Tools. Creating a PowerPoint presentation can be pretty stellar. Students have fun, while also giving the student confidence to present. The research a topic, and for 2-5 mins, the student is the expert, having insight on a particular subject researched. During observation hours, a teacher used an internet resource, Quizlet. The program creates practice quizzes, for the students to use as study aids. The teacher projected one of the practice quizzes on a SmartBoard, or what the book refers to a document camera. The assignment was a practice vocabulary quiz, the students were trying to match the word to its appropriate definition, as they were being timed. The kids got in a line, and they were quick and excited to bet their previous time.

Video in the Classroom, this portion of the chapter raises the question if we should us television and videos in our classrooms, and if so, what are the limitations. The chapter suggests that teachers K-12 strongly believe that television and video content can be extremely effective, when integrated with other instructional methods. I can recall, Reading Rainbow, and the Magic School Bus, used to introduce a chapter. The video or show would be related to the lesson, we were to being. Youtube has made it possible for anyone to show off talents, tutorials, presentations, pranks, commentary, basically anything that can be filmed. No copyright, and must live up to the standards that one agrees to when using the YouTube.

My final focus will be on Digital Storytelling. It seems when kids are first learning to read, they are more focused on saying the words, then understanding the stories intended purpose. However, hearing a story read out loud, takes the pressure off, and allows the student to focus on the structure of the story. Now when one adds graphics and animation, to a story read out loud, it become a video, a show. It is easy to learn when we don't eve realize we are learning. If we make learning fun, we have it in the bag.

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Post Blog #G

The first topic that I would like to discuss from the book is, Multicultural Education in the 21st Century Schools. The book refers to multicultural education as how teachers go about adapting to the diversity of students interests, needs, and talents. James Banks promoted the idea of every student, "...regardless their of gender, social class, and ethnic, racial, or cultural characteristics- should have an equal opportunity to learn in school." The chapter suggests the method is intended to expose students to different cultures, while also exposing them to their own history. This way students are able to identify, and relate to individuals with similar experiences, and background. With this method, students can be motivated with the idea, "If he can do it, I can do it too."

The second topic is going to be, Using technology with Linguistically Diverse Learners. The chapter introduces google translator, which I have my mother use. Google translator is an incredible tool that can translate up to 50 languages. My mother use this tool to communicate with her employer. She also uses it to learn certain phrases, or certain commands. Websites are also providing material in a multitude of languages, to service a larger population. 

The final point I will be emphasizing on will be, Electronic Spellers and Dictionaries. I honestly think this tool can be used, and should be used by everyone. I was at Walmart on Friday, and I could not for the life of me, remember how to properly pronounce quinoa. I eventually pulled out my phone and "googled" it. I definitely think this is a powerful tool that is over looked, and under appreciated.

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Blog #F

The first point I would like to bring up on this weeks blog, is the electronic communication between teachers and students. The book suggest that many ways for students and teachers to connect, e-mails, text messaging, classroom websites, blogs, online discussions, and Wikis. Getting in contact with ones teacher is the easiest thing to do. Reminding students of up coming test or assignments, extra assistance, peer to peer tutoring's. It's a little extra work for teachers, but these are excellent tools to have student-teacher interaction. Extending a hand even when the students are home.

Using E-mail as a teacher, is the second point I will be brushing up on. This portion of the chapter was a little funny to read, just because of the "text lingo." It's true, we must keep out with the current "lingo" so we can properly communicate with our student. Even though, I would prefer proper grammar and complete sentences, even in text. I really like the suggestion of an office hour, where the teacher make themselves available for the students to get into contact with them.

The final summary will be on Websites and Blogs for Teachers and Students. I think this would be fun to do, post reminders, have the students submit homework or reports. So many things can be done with having a classroom website. Like the book indicates, a teacher could also have a blog where they keep journals and publish information. However one decides to make a website or blog, lets try to promote education.

Maloy, R. (2014). Teaching Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship. In Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Upper saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

Digital Blog #E

This weeks reading was an easy read, since it was featuring one of my favorite topics. Video games. Before we get into the gaming portion of the reading, we are going to discuss about Selection and Evaluation of Software and Apps. A critical point that the book made was the distinction between what makes a poor software; 1 the computer dictates the activity, 2 competition, stereotyping, or violence is present, and 3 quick reactions are favored over sustained thing and problem solving. These means every time one thinks about downloading an app for our children, we have things to consider. The book also mentions that we should consider if the program encourages higher order thinking (remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating). Much like shopping, we have to consider if a program is the right fit for our child, if it presents the proper academic information, and age appropriate.

We are going to move on to Computer Games as Learning Resources. If you observe any school, you are more than likely going to see kids spending a blocked time on computer programs. LaBelle Elementary use programs such as Iready, and Openbook to aide students in the topic that they might be struggling in, Gamification. Using the technology kids love to teach them, motivate them to learn. I can understand why some teachers have a hard time letting online games as part of the curriculum, because they might question how much they are actually learning. A teacher might feel like they can teach a particular topic better than a computer program. They might be right, but are they engaging the kids like the computer programs seem to?

My Final topic is going to be Digital Games for Learning. The book places digital games into 2 categories, Internet and desktop based games. The names seem to explain that the Internet based games require the internet to be fully accessed, while the desktop based games one buys to access. When a child learns without realizing they are learning is amazing. Stealth learning is just that, when the activity is captivating and learning is done. A neat concept that the chapter mentioned was Intelligent tutoring systems, powerful programs that teach according to the child's responses. I remember playing these games as a kid and remembering how effective they were. However, I asked a 4th grade class if they felt like they were learning from the program I-ready, most of the kids suggested they learn more from teacher directed lessons.

Created with Padlet

Digital post #D

In our fast pace society, if one ever has a question, we look to find the answer quickly. Our cell phones are powerful computers, so no matter where we are we can receive information. If I ever have a question, I most likely use Google to help answer my question.  The book states that 90% of adults use online search engines to retrieve information(Maloy,).  They way  they work, is by typing in Keywords, searching engines comb through the internet to locate websites to accommodate ones request. Accessing information is so easy and quick. The problem is, anyone can create a website an publish online. This helps me segue into my next topic, Evaluating online information.

There are so much valuable information online, but there is also plenty of incorrect information. I would agree that the best way to check if the information you have received is valid, is to check a different site to compare information. The book up Wikipedia, a site that lost a lot of credibility but is slowly turning in to a respectable site. The book mentions that elementary, middle, and high school students fact check Wikipedia's information by comparing its information with other non-wiki sources (Maloy,).

The portion on Responsibilities of digital citizens focused on plagiarism and copyright information. This information has been drilled into our brains since we were young. It almost seems common sense, but it is crucial to know. One can get into serious trouble if we are misinformed on any of the standards of laws. We have to be will informed how to cite information that is not our own. Giving credit to the original author. The book also gives sources to find more information on strategies for preventing plagiarism and cheating.

I though this video paired nicely with our project. 

Maloy, R. (2014). Teaching Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship. In Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Upper saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

Evaluating Sources [youtube broadcast]. (2012, January 13). In Youtube. Heglandgm

Digital Blog Post #C

This has been the most interesting chapter thus far; of course, one mans opinion. On page 47 the book brings up constructivism, suggesting people construct new knowledge and understandings based on what they already know and believe..." This is fundamental in understanding how kids learn and how to alter misunderstandings. Without the proper foundation the whole building will collapse, this being a metaphor to the child's academic success. This almost seems like common sense; a child can't take a test, without first learning how to read the questions. I feel like school are really missing the ball in actively trying to strengthening these kids foundation. I work at LaBelle Elementary, there are 5th graders that can't read the questions on the test they take. Giving them minimal help. We are setting these kids up for failure.

My second point is going to be on Teacher-Centered learning and Student-Centered learning. I have discovered the most interesting way of teaching, Whole brain teaching. This is moving way from the traditional Teacher-Centered learning, where a teacher stands in front of a class and just gives out information; that they later expect for the students to regurgitate.Whole brain teaching is as Student-Centered as you can get. Understanding that students learn the most when they are having fun; also challenging them with a fast pace environment. I have tried this with 1st, 2nd, and 4th graders, and the results are amazing! I'm in love with this method, and its extremely fun!

 

My final point will be on developing digital citizens. The chapter suggests like United States citizens, we as digital citizens have rights and responsibilities to used technologies effectively and appropriately. We live in a time that with a simple google search, we can find information on almost any topic, videos, images, we have to learn to be responsible, and not allow ourselves to be fold by incorrect information.. The functions of technology are now being taught in school, we have computers, smart boards, clickers; these new gadgets to enhance learning. We just have to remember to use technology productively, honestly, and safely.

 

 

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Blog Post #B

The second chapter begins by introducing 21st century computer technologies, such as Web 2.0 tools. It quickly segued into what I conceder an interesting topic of discussion; Roger innovation curve. The Roger innovation curve was an illustration of how individuals adapt to change. There are the 3% that are innovators, 13% early adopters, 68% considered majority of the following, and a 16% who avoid or resist change. The experiment was done to individuals with a background in business and management, but if these numbers draw a parallel or reflect the rate of evolution in the schools technological acceptance, we need to try to get that majority over the hump! My mentality is different that most, but I would love to be ahead of the curve. Discovering new ways of teaching until you find a method that seems to be extremely effective. Always modifying, always evolving. The section ends with "...every teacher makes a decision to lead, follow, or stay behind the technological innovation curve," All I know is, I want to be leading some troops.



on Flickr by Philip Bjerknes

The chapter continues with technology used by teachers. The book suggest that many schools use technology as an aid (which is not bad), but fail to make an essential component of teaching. Imagine a world where kids knew how to pull apart a computer and assemble it back together, or kids that knew how to program. I'm sure this sounds a little ambitious, but we will never know what kids are capable of until we challenge them and push them to their limits. Education is said to be one of the few sectors that has not technology has not transformed. Instead of embracing technology, we limit it to e-mail, word processing, record keeping and data management functions.

The last point I will be reflecting on is going to be the lack of access. The book focuses on the lack of access to these technologies in the class room. Pointing out that the need to expand these technologies is being suffocated by educational budget cuts. This is separating the affluent kids and the disadvantaged further apart. If every school had the same access to the same technologies, we would be discussing a different topic, but we would see impoverished children have access to a better education, more kids graduating, test scores rise. This would impact society as a whole. I truly think this is a crucial point in which to think and discuss.


Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

Digital Badge #A - Chapter 1

It's incredible how reliant we have become on technology. The term iGeneration truly expresses this sentiment. This term represents the children that were born in the late "90's," who do not know a world or time without interactive technologies. Education has also become dependent on these technologies, with programs such as Mindplay, and I-Ready. Cell phones too, are incredible tools. They can be use for communication, but also a great source of information (with the proper internet connectivity). Being born in the early 90's, I had the opportunity to see how quickly technology advanced and became part of everyday life. Children, and even adults, going to school, have to not only learn the core curriculum, but how to manipulate technologies to make ones life easier.

Next we are going to Segue in 21st century skills. These skills are need for students to adapt to our ever changing high technology, and information based society. This is extremely important in today's society. Some are concerned, such as Kid's can't use computers... and this this is why it should concern you, that even though our kids spend an incredible amount of time on computers they still don't know how to properly use a computer. So now its up to teachers to really introduce kids to not only websites, but how to properly operate computers, so kids can truly take advantage of these 21st century skills.

Third is building a digital identity. If building a digital identity was not important we would not be taking this class. It's imperative that every teacher, and every professional, make a personal commitment to innovation and change; which is what building a digital identity is all about. Moving at the pace of the world, so one doesn't get left behind. Here is a short video that really emphasizes how important it is to have a good digital presents. Really embeds how important it is to be careful about what it is we publish about ourselves on social media or online.

 

Teaching methods have really changed since I was in school. There is a lot more technological involvement. Which is why it is imperative that we better understand our students, understand 21st century skills, and build a digital identity that truly represents who we are. I am making that personal commitment to innovation and change, so I can adapt to my students, and have my students adapt to the real world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maloy, R. (n.d.). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).

 

Scott, M. (2013, June 29). Coding 2 Learn. Retrieved September 6, 2015.