Final Reflective Thoughts

As someone who has always considered herself whatever the opposite of tech savvy is, I have to admit that I have learned so much from this course! I went into it with an anxious yet open-mind. I am so glad I did! I have learned things that will make my life so much easier once I become an educator!

At the beginning of this semester, I felt overwhelmed. I have taken online courses before with little trouble, but all of the websites I had to use within each assignment made me incredibly nervous. The first site that I found to be helpful was THIS valuable resource! As a student and a Mom, I am lucky if I remember where to put a planner let alone what to put in it, using Delicious helped me organize all of my new found teaching tools into one place that I can not lose! I also found the blog to be an engaging way to break down my thoughts. What I particularly liked about this portion of the assignments was how laid-back it was. It encouraged thought. Utilizing WEBQUESTS was another beneficial task. I actually can not wait to get into my classroom and make assignments that will entertain and teach my students!

My favorite assignment though was the website/e-portfolio. This was almost like a midnight snack for my motivation. Doing this made me realize that in just a few short years I will be making a real website for my elementary school classroom. I saved all of my new tech tools for when that day comes!

My only feedback is not necessarily from a teaching standpoint, but I found the group projects a bit unorganized on the student's end. It felt like a few people did all of the work and everyone got the credit for it. At one point I felt like I was begging for a job to do. If maybe there were more emphasis put on the teamwork aspect, they might run smoother? Other than that, I felt like the class was never a wasted moment. I especially appreciated the lack of busy-work. Everything we did in the class will benefit us as educators.

References:

Dodge, B. (n.d.). QuestGarden.com. Retrieved December 12, 2016, from http://questgarden.com/
Welcome to del.icio.us. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2016, from https://del.icio.us/

Chapter 8: Communicating and Collaborating with Social Media

Social media is like the elephant in the technology driven classroom. We all know it's there, most of us use it, yet somehow it's not quite being used within the teaching realm yet. It's a fine line of inappropriate and useful. The use of social media within the classroom would have to be monitored closely not only by the educator but also by parents and administration.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Email, teacher or classroom website, Blogs, Online Discussions, and Wikis are just a few ways to utilize social media within the classroom. The first thought that comes to my mind when hearing this is how students would be able to communicate with the teacher after school hours, this leaves little opportunity for excuses to not have things done. Assuming that the teacher was able to check this at least within specific hours each night, they would be able to communicate to answer any questions the student may have. However, it also leaves little time for the teacher to unwind after an already hectic work day.

While teachers would be able to communicate with students, they would also be able to communicate with other teachers they would not normally have access to. In one of my observations the teacher asked if I would be interested in joining a closed Facebook group of elementary school teachers, they share lessons, ideas, what works for them, what does not work for them, and also the occasional moral support.

SHARING INFORMATION WITH FAMILIES

This is a concept that I like, and will most certainly use within my classroom. Being able to communicate with families instantly is to me a game changer within the classroom. One of my core beliefs is that education is a full circle, I can only do so much as an educator if I do not have the help of the family at home. By using a form of social media within the classroom, we can engage parents in the students classroom. I was at lunch with a mom friend of mine the other day and her daughters preschool class has a private instagram for the parents. They are able to see photos, lessons, activities, a sort of 'behind the scenes' look into her daughters preschool education. I thought this was such a neat idea. Another potential benefit is that while it would be great if students could be in school everyday of the year, it is not a perfect world and sometimes life and emergencies happen, By being able to communicate with parents, the student could continue to stay in the know and keep up with lessons, even if they are not able to make it into the school.

WEBSITES AND BLOGS FOR TEACHERS

Just like this website, 'Blogger', it is an excellent way for students to reiterate and discuss in their own words what they have learned. What I find particularly beneficial in these lessons, is that is is more laid-back than a normal assignment. Instead of being hung-up on formatting, grammar, every little detail, I feel like I am more able to speak freely and communicate with the professor. In return, I learn far more than if I were writing a formal paper on each chapter. The other aspect of a blog for students, is that many students can contribute. In fact, everyone can log on to look at their blog. Parents can simply check-in to see what their child is learning, Teachers can keep up with progress, Administrators can monitor for efficiency, and see what the teachers and students are up to. Blogs are an excellent way for everyone to stay engaged in the learning environment of the student.

Chapter 7: Exploring Problem Solving With Software, Apps, and Games

This chapter introduces the notion that learning can be enhanced and even possibly achieved at a higher level when apps and games are utilized within the classroom. 

PROBLEM SOLVING AND INQUIRY LEARNING WITH TECHNOLOGY

Inquiry based learning is something that I will absolutely utilize in my classroom, I think that it provokes the habit of inquiring. This is something that if a student learns to do at a young age, will help them tremendously as adults. It is so important to always wonder, inquire, ask questions, and learn even once there will be no test. So this strategy in the classroom uses real-world situations to inquire. It can be exploring primary sources such as newspapers, census data, historical events, etc (Maloy, 2011). Also according to the article, when students are engaged in researching open-ended problems, they are honing in their "thinking skills, risk-taking, creativity and mental self-discipline". When this is used hand-in-hand with computers or other forms of technology, the student is able to see the possibility of several outcomes and able to consider different solutions to get to that outcome. 

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

Software is the term for the instructions within the computer while hardware is the basic machinery of the computer (Maloy, 2011). Software is then broken down into two general types, system and application. Software programs include; Adobe, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, things that make organization and teaching with software possible. Another type of software is the open-source software, this is open to the general public, which means that students can utilize these sources for free, and typically easy use. 

TYPES OF PROBLEM-SOLVING AND INQUIRY-LEARNING SOFTWARE

The first type of software I would like to discuss is the Composing and Calculating Software, this is the basic software including applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, it uses writing and mathematical calculations to help students become masters in this area. 

The other type of software is used for building and inventing. This is where exploring open-ended questions through technology can come in handy. I will include a project I recently did with QuestGarden.com to help young elementary students explore the Bill of Rights HERE. This would be an example of utilizing technology to help the students inquire about a certain subject. What I found particularly interesting about it is that the educators are able to tweak the lesson to fit any age group. A kindergartner can do a lesson related to the a fifth grader, all with a few minor revisions. 

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

Chapter 3: Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful Technology

Transformative Learning is one of the core aspects of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and the Student Outcomes for Learning. Technology is what the education of the future will be centered around.

RESEARCH ON THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING

        The "How People Learn" series went on for years, it determined that people of all ages are 'goal-directed agents who actively seek information'. The study also showed that people only form new knowledge based on things they already know. This is interesting when taken into an education standpoint, if students only can learn off the foundation of what they already know, then it is imperative that teachers form a basis for which their students know. They can utilize technology to build on their students learning, influencing far more students than the educator who does not use technology.

SCIENCE OF LEARNING VIDEO

BEHAVIORISM, COGNITIVISM, CONSTRUCTIVISM, AND CONSTRUCTIONISM

These are the learning theories that teachers generally use in their classrooms, at least a combination of the above.

• Behaviorism- is the idea that learning is achieved through memorizing, demonstrating, and imitating. 
• Cognitivism- this is typically done through active learning, transfer of learning, comprehension, and metacognitive skills
• Constructivism- idea that learning is the result of interpreting and manipulating your surroundings
• Constructionism- Learners build their own knowledge. 

It is easy to see why generally teachers believe in a combination of these ideas. Put together they would benefit every students needs, however it is just not feasible to do so within every lesson, so by choosing at least two of each for every lesson, the teacher would be able to interest and connect with at least the majority of the classroom. 

THINKING CRITICALLY AND SOLVING PROBLEMS

I just read an article saying that some measures of intellect are based on how quickly one can solve problems. One idea that the book relates to is alternative ways of not only thinking, but acting. Before, in a traditional classroom, the student generally only had one source of print. The printed textbook, now they have access to several different forms of sources, magazines, computers, etc. This forces them to have to inquire on their own, and form their own opinions. We are able to check every fact several different ways.



Work Cited

G. (n.d.). Goldman Sachs. Retrieved December 05, 2016, from http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyz6-taovlaOkPsPtK4KNEg?v=y17l-hxFz1M

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

CHAPTER 11: Engaging Students in Performance Assessment and Reflective Learning

INVOLVING STUDENTS IN LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT:

According to the textbook their is a link, that should be rather obvious when you actually consider it, that  children who are asked to be involved in the classroom have a better chance at success in a democratic society. Some psychologists suggest that students are more motivated to do their homework, if the student is give a choice in the homework. I think that this could be an excellent addition to the classroom, as long as the teacher is ultimately in charge of the lessons. For example, if you give a child the option to wear the blue shirt or the orange shirt, so long as they are wearing an adequate shirt, it does not matter which one they choose, however they are still given the choice. This approach could be utilized during assignments and homework as well.

DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS FOR STUDENTS:

Whenever sustainability is involved, my ears are usually perked and ready to listen. I love the idea of a digital portfolio for several reasons. One being, sustainability of course. Another would be though the accountability. There is a small chance that the dog ate the entire computer, and if that were the case I would be more than willing to listen to the details, however when students are asked to back up their work with a computer, they are taking a lot of the guesswork out of it. Sure, there are computer errors, however with the rate at which technology is advancing the excuses are limited. We can do our homework, email it to ourselves, and back it up in several different free forms. Another concept that could catapult digital portfolios into the future, is that students would be able to access it and use it as both a reference and an outline. If entire schools or counties used a portfolio system, they would be able to take these through their entire schooling process. The possibilities would be endless. They could also be used as a sort of resume putting their work out in the the world and getting potentially scouted by colleges or companies, they would not normally have access to.

PREPARING FOR HIGH STAKES TESTS:

By involving the student in a more engaged classroom, we are preparing them much more efficiently for a high stakes exam. According to the textbook, when the student is more involved in their learning process, it helps them to think deeper about the content of their learning. This may help them to think more deeply about the questions during their county or statewide testing. By taking the time to read an entire question and not being mislead by distractions within the question, they have a better chance in passing the exam. This can be achieved by taking a dominant role in their own education.

QUIZ HERE QUIZ HERE QUIZ HERE QUIZ HERE QUIZ HERE

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

Chapter 9: Expressing Creativity with Multimedia

https://tackk.com/dp5cf2



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.