Were the students focused on learning, not on technology?
Yes, the students were actively engaged in learning and were not focused on the technology. They were engaged by viewing the Photostory from the front of the room instead of on their own computers. Although this was not originally planned, I think it worked much better because after the Photostory, the students’ attention was at the front of the room – right where we needed it to be.
Was the technology a seamless part of the lesson?
Yes, the technology was a seamless part of the lesson. We didn’t have to “stretch” to make the technology work within our lesson plan.
Can you easily describe how technology contributed to the lesson? Was the reason for the technology obvious to the students?
The technology contributed to the lesson by “grabbing” the students’ attention at the beginning of the lesson using the Photostory we had created. We used the Photostory as a way to introduce our topic – The Great Depression – and to provide the students with background information about the topic.
Yes, I think the reason for the technology was obvious to the students. Using Photostory, they became acclimated with The Great Depression and the lesson objective. Using the internet, they discovered the impact The Great Depression had on families, farmers, African Americans and industrial workers and submit answers to their Guide Questions. Lastly, using the Inspiration Graphic, students were able to organize what they had learned and share the information with the class.
Did the technology help a particular student?
I think that the technology helped students who would have been visually and hearing impaired because they had access to a computer to view the screen better, move to the front of the class and a teammate could help by reading the questions aloud.
Would you have been able to accomplish the lesson without technology?
Yes, we would have been able to accomplish the lesson without technology but I don’t think it would have been as effective. If we weren’t able to use technology, we could have printed out the websites and questions for the students. The students would have hand written their responses to the Guide Questions and we could have used the chalkboard to create a graphic organizer instead of using the Inspiration Graphic. The only thing we would have been unable to use was the Photostory.
Were all students participating with the technology and benefiting from it?
Yes, all of the students were participating with the technology and were benefiting from its use. Each student was able to access the website which was created for the lesson from their own computer. Then they were able to click the links to discover the effect of The Great Depression on families, farmers, African Americans and industrial workers.
Source: Robyler, M.D. and Edwards, J., (2003). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Third Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. (page 340).
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Software Tools in Content Area
What kinds of classroom activities can be enhanced with software (spreadsheet, database, web development, etc.) applications?
I think that there is an endless amount of classroom activities that can be enhanced with software applications. Teachers can use technology to take a “virtual” field trip to locations all around the globe and even into outer space. Our world is quickly becoming “smaller”.
Teachers can help students to create a webpage, similar to our online portfolios, where they post assignments. Teachers can also create a webpage for the class and then ask students to answer the homework using Microsoft Word and e-mail the teacher their responses. Students can make charts and graphs using Microsoft Excel to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of making a visual representation of their work.
Teachers are able to use Microsoft Word to type letters and assignments for parents and students as well as create mailing labels. Teachers are also able to use Microsoft Excel to calculate grades quickly for students and parents. At a quick glance, teachers are able to help their students succeed by showing them their grades and any assignments that need to be submitted. This software assists teachers in using their time efficiently and assists teachers, students and parents in answering questions or identifying problem areas.
I think that there is an endless amount of classroom activities that can be enhanced with software applications. Teachers can use technology to take a “virtual” field trip to locations all around the globe and even into outer space. Our world is quickly becoming “smaller”.
Teachers can help students to create a webpage, similar to our online portfolios, where they post assignments. Teachers can also create a webpage for the class and then ask students to answer the homework using Microsoft Word and e-mail the teacher their responses. Students can make charts and graphs using Microsoft Excel to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of making a visual representation of their work.
Teachers are able to use Microsoft Word to type letters and assignments for parents and students as well as create mailing labels. Teachers are also able to use Microsoft Excel to calculate grades quickly for students and parents. At a quick glance, teachers are able to help their students succeed by showing them their grades and any assignments that need to be submitted. This software assists teachers in using their time efficiently and assists teachers, students and parents in answering questions or identifying problem areas.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Relative Advantage
Describe the notion of "relative advantage" with respect to improving technology implementation methods. Identify specific teaching and learning problems that technology can help address and how it can create learning opportunities that did not exist.
Relative Advantage is a term coined by Everett Rogers. He argues that people are less likely to change their way of doing things even if there is a better solution. But, in the long run, if people can see a clear benefit to another way of doing something, they are much more likely to see change their current method.
Relative Advantage is important in the classroom because teachers need to understand how their students learn best. Although teachers may be able to use their current teaching methods with some classes, other classes may need to be taught in a different manner (ie: direct instruction; hands-on instruction.) When teachers are able to see the positive results that their teaching has on their students, they will be more motivated to adapt their teaching for all of their classes.
In today's world, because society is so technologically advanced, it is important for teachers to use various kinds of technology in their classroom. Additionally, it is important for teachers to use the technology efficiently and properly because many students enter the classroom with a background in technology.
Technology also provides a faster way of getting feedback from students. On a computer, students can complete an assignment and print the assignment for teacher grading and/or print the computer-graded assignement.
Relative Advantage is a term coined by Everett Rogers. He argues that people are less likely to change their way of doing things even if there is a better solution. But, in the long run, if people can see a clear benefit to another way of doing something, they are much more likely to see change their current method.
Relative Advantage is important in the classroom because teachers need to understand how their students learn best. Although teachers may be able to use their current teaching methods with some classes, other classes may need to be taught in a different manner (ie: direct instruction; hands-on instruction.) When teachers are able to see the positive results that their teaching has on their students, they will be more motivated to adapt their teaching for all of their classes.
In today's world, because society is so technologically advanced, it is important for teachers to use various kinds of technology in their classroom. Additionally, it is important for teachers to use the technology efficiently and properly because many students enter the classroom with a background in technology.
Technology also provides a faster way of getting feedback from students. On a computer, students can complete an assignment and print the assignment for teacher grading and/or print the computer-graded assignement.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Number One...
"...two is not a winner and three nobody remembers..."
Nelly Number One
Hello! My name is Jenna and I am a History Secondary Education Major at Towson University. One day, I hope to teach high school students and instill in each student a sense of "true patriotism and love of country." As a teacher, I would hope to give each student a passion for life and an appreciation of learning while reminding them that a diploma is just the beginning of a lifelong education.
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and truly love the city that reads (or "Reeds" if you're a Baltimore Ravens fan.)
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