Chapter 9: Expressing Creativity with Multimedia

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I think it is safe to say that multimedia is one of the most effective ways to reach all students no matter what their learning preference is. Visual learners can access what they need, there are audio books for audio learners, hands on learners can benefit from the projects through either powerpoint, videos, or other applications that meet their needs.

MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES IN SCHOOLS TODAY

When teachers utilize multimedia within the classroom, they are using the multimodal technique. This mixes talking with visual, technological, and audio reinforcement. Without using other media options, the teacher is using a single-mode learning technique. This is not effective or exciting to the students. According to a study mentioned in the book, students who learn in a multimodal classroom 'outperform' those who are in a single-mode environment. Traditional learning environments used single-mode learning, however in a more modern learning environment, the book gives the example an English teacher having her students listen to an audio of poets reciting their work, and then recording the students as they recite their work as well. 

POWERPOINT AND NEXT-GENERATION PRESENTATION TOOLS

Powerpoints, while as a student make me cringe, are something I will absolutely utilize as a a teacher. They are valuable for a number of reasons, time management, preparedness, planning, and confidence building. By utilizing these presentation tools, the students are fully immersed in their learning. I am also a firm believe that we learn better when we are teaching. It is also an excellent way to engage the entire class, it is always motivating to do something different, instead of listening to a teacher lecture day in and day out, sometimes the students react more energetically to a small, temporary change in the mundane. 

VIDEO IN THE CLASSROOM

This is something that I witnessed firsthand being used in the classroom during my observations for another class, it is also something that I will absolutely use in my classroom. At the beginning of each class the teacher used a video he called the "Bell Ringer", this was a type of informal introduction to the days lesson. This to me is genius, it acts as a 'trigger' for the student to think back on when they think about the subject, this will help them to recall these triggers during exams, hopefully helping them remember it easier. Youtube is another surprisingly effectively video. It helps to break down complex ideas in a more simple manner. 

Technology is the future of education, while I hope it never completely replaces the teacher, it is exciting to see what we are capable of doing inside the classroom in the next ten years. 

Digital Blog Post #G: Chapter 10

Promoting Success for All Students Through Technology

In this chapter we learn how to successfully utilize technology within the classroom. It helps us as educators balance the needs of the students and reach more students.

Technology for Teaching Diverse Students:

Using technology in the classroom can be 'affirming' for diverse students, it can bring together those who come from different cultures, different upbringings, and different lifestyles. I believe as an educator we owe it to our students to expand their knowledge beyond the textbook. If a student is say, from another country and just moved here, we could use videos in the classroom to shed light on their  past. This could help the new student teach the other students about something they would of otherwise known nothing about. As americans, we are fortunate to be a melting pot of culture. Instead of expecting them to fit a certain mold, we can break stereotypes by coming together through the internet.

Using Technology with Linguistically Diverse Learners

Just as we can bring together students from different backgrounds, we can also implement reach students who are not english speakers at home. There are several uses for translators, however with the widening usage of technology in the classroom it can be implemented with students who may not be able to afford professional translators, or fancy tutors. Google translate is just one example of how students can use a free service through their phone, tablet, or computer to help get a better sense of the written word. One thing that comes to mind is the ongoing conflict in Syria, this will cause an influx of Syrian refugees into our country, whether it be controversial in the media, as teachers it is our duty to help these students find a home away from their home. Where they may not have access to several handouts, we can easily translate the handouts and the powerpoints for them giving them the ability to learn in an American classroom.

Assistive Technology to Reach Diverse Learners

Not every student fits the traditional academic mold. Assistive technology can help alleviate the gap that many learning diverse students have. Whether it be a disability such as hearing impaired, or blind, or someone with a learning disability such as ADHD or Autism, Assistive Technology can help expand their learning environment by reaching the student who is often overlooked. With certain apps we can help translate our conversations into written word for the hearing impaired. Or the use of braille can help benefit the entire class, or maybe taking the time to learn some small phrases in ASL.

The technology that we are developing today can help the future student and educator in ways beyond belief. By being open to learning and educating ourselves, we will help bridge the gap to the many diverse students we will encounter in our days as an educator.

   Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.