Hello blog -
Here's some final thoughts on technology in the classroom.
When teaching, it's important to know what resources/materials are available to me. It will be important to familiarize myself with each type of technology that is available in my class. It's also important to know my students and what their "home life" is like (do they have access to technology @ home?). Once this information is gathered, I can use some of the teaching methods and projects that I observed and participated in throughout this semester. Acquiring things like a digital camera or headphones/digital audio players seem like worthwhile investments after seeing and imagining their uses for an elementary school classroom. Another consideration with technology is that it's really becoming a necessary skill to be able to use technology for many jobs. Typing skills, familiarity with computers and cell phones has become knowledge that we almost expect every child to have. There was an inspirational video that was shown during our April 30th student teacher placement meeting that encouraged teachers to tap into this tech obsession instead of fighting it (use text messaging to teach instead of trying to keep it out of classes). This will certainly be my goal, however, I recognize that there are also drawbacks to (mis)using technology. Discussing the pros/cons in class has left me with a pretty good understanding of what to look for and how to use various aspects of technology. All in all, it has been an awesome class and the act of creating and walking through the projects has been very educational for me, so it's easy to see how the students will feel should I ask them to do something similar.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Week 15 - Software thoughts
Hello blog -
I'd like to discuss some thoughts related to Week 13's class on educational software.
The first thing that jumped out at me was how dominant Scholastic is when it comes to providing educational software. I guess they figured out quick that computers were on the way and became good at making/selling software. Having the resources, expertise and good name that carried over from selling children's books probably helped too.
One thing I learned was the different types of software that exist, I had never mentally-divided things up like that, but now know the difference between Drill & Practice, Simulations and Generative software.
It was also interesting to hear about the ways schools use (or mis-use) their technology "budgets". Hearing about money wasted on software that many teachers don't use was upsetting, especially knowing how schools fight so hard for funding. Also, hearing stories about SOL review and understanding the potential sharing/scheduling that might occur with things like laptop carts was enlightening.
I'd like to discuss some thoughts related to Week 13's class on educational software.
The first thing that jumped out at me was how dominant Scholastic is when it comes to providing educational software. I guess they figured out quick that computers were on the way and became good at making/selling software. Having the resources, expertise and good name that carried over from selling children's books probably helped too.
One thing I learned was the different types of software that exist, I had never mentally-divided things up like that, but now know the difference between Drill & Practice, Simulations and Generative software.
It was also interesting to hear about the ways schools use (or mis-use) their technology "budgets". Hearing about money wasted on software that many teachers don't use was upsetting, especially knowing how schools fight so hard for funding. Also, hearing stories about SOL review and understanding the potential sharing/scheduling that might occur with things like laptop carts was enlightening.
Week 15 - Reflecting on web design
Hello blog -
Probably the area in class that I've made the most gains - from virtually none, to making a multi-page website - is in web-design. The Google Pages tool has been very easy to use, and the Technology Portfolio assignment has required (and encouraged) me to tinker with lots of different web-design scenarios (embedding audio, video, linking pages and adding images). The html code is still somewhat mysterious to me, but aside from that, it's really just a beefed-up non-linear powerpoint :). Maybe that's a conscious build up in assignments, having one lead to another. In any event, it has been fun and easy to make the Portfolio - feels less like work and more like play when I can create something cool to show my friends/family. I think the best indication that I enjoyed the assignment was that I kept up with the updates fairly well instead of procrastinating like I usually do (see: blog assignment). I even made an AHS soccer page that I updated for a while, just to practice and see how much upkeep was required (not much). It also gives me a better understanding of the internet in general, where pages are just linked to each other...many many many times.
Probably the area in class that I've made the most gains - from virtually none, to making a multi-page website - is in web-design. The Google Pages tool has been very easy to use, and the Technology Portfolio assignment has required (and encouraged) me to tinker with lots of different web-design scenarios (embedding audio, video, linking pages and adding images). The html code is still somewhat mysterious to me, but aside from that, it's really just a beefed-up non-linear powerpoint :). Maybe that's a conscious build up in assignments, having one lead to another. In any event, it has been fun and easy to make the Portfolio - feels less like work and more like play when I can create something cool to show my friends/family. I think the best indication that I enjoyed the assignment was that I kept up with the updates fairly well instead of procrastinating like I usually do (see: blog assignment). I even made an AHS soccer page that I updated for a while, just to practice and see how much upkeep was required (not much). It also gives me a better understanding of the internet in general, where pages are just linked to each other...many many many times.
Week 15 - Assistive Tech Diagram
Hello blog -
Just writing to discuss the assistive technology diagram assignment that I completed for class. First, is that the word assistive keeps popping up on spell-check. Second, is that it's pretty amazing what technology has been able to do for students that have additional learning needs. I'm taking an Exceptional Learners class that has had guest-presentations relating to visual impairment, hearing impairment, SmartBoards and various cognitive disabilities and all of them had a technology component to them.
For visual impairments, things like magnifying text, audio warnings for cross-walks, braile typing devices (pdas, computer keyboards, etc) were all mentioned. Text to speech would be particularly useful for visually impaired students who can hear but not see what's going on. The SmartBoard is a nice tool due to its large size and customizability, it's generally easier to read than white chalk on green chalkboard due to the better contrast and it's ability to convert written text into typed text (more legible). For hearing impairments, things like cochlear implants, headphones/mics and various types of hearing aides were discussed (and shown). Understanding the prevalence and current methods (many technological in nature) for dealing with the various disabilities was very helpful.
Just writing to discuss the assistive technology diagram assignment that I completed for class. First, is that the word assistive keeps popping up on spell-check. Second, is that it's pretty amazing what technology has been able to do for students that have additional learning needs. I'm taking an Exceptional Learners class that has had guest-presentations relating to visual impairment, hearing impairment, SmartBoards and various cognitive disabilities and all of them had a technology component to them.
For visual impairments, things like magnifying text, audio warnings for cross-walks, braile typing devices (pdas, computer keyboards, etc) were all mentioned. Text to speech would be particularly useful for visually impaired students who can hear but not see what's going on. The SmartBoard is a nice tool due to its large size and customizability, it's generally easier to read than white chalk on green chalkboard due to the better contrast and it's ability to convert written text into typed text (more legible). For hearing impairments, things like cochlear implants, headphones/mics and various types of hearing aides were discussed (and shown). Understanding the prevalence and current methods (many technological in nature) for dealing with the various disabilities was very helpful.
Week 15 - Internet tools in the classroom
Hello blog -
I'd like to discuss my thoughts on Week 14's class about internet tools.
The tools we discussed included online Word Processing, Classroom Blogs and Wikis, Learning "games" and Teacher-centered tools (rubric makers, etc.). Before getting into each, I'll add some of my own thoughts on the Pros/Cons that we discussed in class.
Pros -
Provided there is internet access, internet tools are always there - accessible anytime (home, school, etc.).
Some are free, and don't require downloading/installing anything.
They save on paper.
They facilitate class discussion and collaboration.
Cons -
Require internet access & computer.
Some cost money to use, especially for features linked to customization and privacy.
Free products are sometimes of questionable quality.
Internet collaboration is different (less personal) than actual collaboration.
Many of these pros/cons are the same as all technology use as it relates to classroom application. Cost, home access and lack of personal contact all seem to be universal cons, while saving paper and anytime access are typical pros in addition to the novelty, or additional learning context that technology provides.
As far as specific tools that I can see myself using in a classroom...
Because most class computers already come with word processing software, the only way I can see a use for something like Google Docs or a class Wiki is to make homework more collaborative, where multiple students can work/edit things without having to physically be next to one another or work at the same time. The blog seems like more of a teacher tool to post homework assignments, reminders and event schedules. Student blogging can be cool, but the idea that things posted on the internet are there for all to see makes me a little wary. I've heard of news stories (who knows if the issue is overblown or not) where students are bullying each other through the use of text/instant messages and the comments page on the blogs seems like a similar scenario could take place. The learning "games" websites seemed good at first glance, but I'd have to spend more time checking them out before I could definitively say they are useful in the classroom - I played one game about weather that was interesting for a brief amount of time. Maybe they could be used as a "free-time" option for students who are done with their work and waiting for something else to do (similar to reading a library book). The teacher tools like rubistar and all the grading/class organization/management stuff seems useful, but again, privacy is a big concern when dealing with individual student's grades or information. Student assigned numbers might be a work-around to keep things anonymous, but then is it becoming too much of a chore?
All in all, it was a very useful class in that it was dealing with tools that could potentially help me in my own classroom in the future. Checking out the sites and discussing the requirements was a good way to become familiar with the procedure for using these resources in the future. Without going through that process, I might anticipate they would be harder to use or too much trouble when in reality they're not.
I'd like to discuss my thoughts on Week 14's class about internet tools.
The tools we discussed included online Word Processing, Classroom Blogs and Wikis, Learning "games" and Teacher-centered tools (rubric makers, etc.). Before getting into each, I'll add some of my own thoughts on the Pros/Cons that we discussed in class.
Pros -
Provided there is internet access, internet tools are always there - accessible anytime (home, school, etc.).
Some are free, and don't require downloading/installing anything.
They save on paper.
They facilitate class discussion and collaboration.
Cons -
Require internet access & computer.
Some cost money to use, especially for features linked to customization and privacy.
Free products are sometimes of questionable quality.
Internet collaboration is different (less personal) than actual collaboration.
Many of these pros/cons are the same as all technology use as it relates to classroom application. Cost, home access and lack of personal contact all seem to be universal cons, while saving paper and anytime access are typical pros in addition to the novelty, or additional learning context that technology provides.
As far as specific tools that I can see myself using in a classroom...
Because most class computers already come with word processing software, the only way I can see a use for something like Google Docs or a class Wiki is to make homework more collaborative, where multiple students can work/edit things without having to physically be next to one another or work at the same time. The blog seems like more of a teacher tool to post homework assignments, reminders and event schedules. Student blogging can be cool, but the idea that things posted on the internet are there for all to see makes me a little wary. I've heard of news stories (who knows if the issue is overblown or not) where students are bullying each other through the use of text/instant messages and the comments page on the blogs seems like a similar scenario could take place. The learning "games" websites seemed good at first glance, but I'd have to spend more time checking them out before I could definitively say they are useful in the classroom - I played one game about weather that was interesting for a brief amount of time. Maybe they could be used as a "free-time" option for students who are done with their work and waiting for something else to do (similar to reading a library book). The teacher tools like rubistar and all the grading/class organization/management stuff seems useful, but again, privacy is a big concern when dealing with individual student's grades or information. Student assigned numbers might be a work-around to keep things anonymous, but then is it becoming too much of a chore?
All in all, it was a very useful class in that it was dealing with tools that could potentially help me in my own classroom in the future. Checking out the sites and discussing the requirements was a good way to become familiar with the procedure for using these resources in the future. Without going through that process, I might anticipate they would be harder to use or too much trouble when in reality they're not.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Week 11 - Digital Story
Hello blog -
I wanted to take a minute to recap my experiences with the Digital Story assignment. I had never worked with a "movie maker" type of program, so this was all new to me. As far as I can tell, the process can be broken down into a few distinct parts: 1) write a script 2) gather photos 3) post photos 4) record script 5) add music 6) save as .wmv (or w/e extension is most useful).
I chose to do my story on my Study Abroad in Sikkim, India. Although it's not necessarily the most interesting/educational topic for the masses, I had loads of photos from my trip and I felt like if I chose less colorful photos it would fail to take advantage of the medium of digital video. Might as well capitalize on being able to display images that can convey as much as any script, right?
Anyways, at first I thought this project might be a bit much for the Elementary School level, as I wasn't familiar with the program we'd be using (Digital Story Maker). After completing it however, I think as long as the task was broken up over a long enough time-frame, and perhaps used in a small group setting for additional support/creativity, I think it would be a great classroom activity. Connections to any of the content areas (Math being the most difficult to relate) are possible, and the students can either be provided with photos, or (should the school or teacher have access to a digital camera) they could take their own. The main obstacle for this project is (as discussed in class) the recording phase. Students would have to find a suitably quiet time/place to record their scripts (I recorded mine in an empty computer lab and could still barely hear it with the volume set to max).
In any event, the students would surely enjoy the project, and the combination of ease of use and adaptation to various standards of learning make it something I will likely try in the classroom as soon as I'm able to.
I wanted to take a minute to recap my experiences with the Digital Story assignment. I had never worked with a "movie maker" type of program, so this was all new to me. As far as I can tell, the process can be broken down into a few distinct parts: 1) write a script 2) gather photos 3) post photos 4) record script 5) add music 6) save as .wmv (or w/e extension is most useful).
I chose to do my story on my Study Abroad in Sikkim, India. Although it's not necessarily the most interesting/educational topic for the masses, I had loads of photos from my trip and I felt like if I chose less colorful photos it would fail to take advantage of the medium of digital video. Might as well capitalize on being able to display images that can convey as much as any script, right?
Anyways, at first I thought this project might be a bit much for the Elementary School level, as I wasn't familiar with the program we'd be using (Digital Story Maker). After completing it however, I think as long as the task was broken up over a long enough time-frame, and perhaps used in a small group setting for additional support/creativity, I think it would be a great classroom activity. Connections to any of the content areas (Math being the most difficult to relate) are possible, and the students can either be provided with photos, or (should the school or teacher have access to a digital camera) they could take their own. The main obstacle for this project is (as discussed in class) the recording phase. Students would have to find a suitably quiet time/place to record their scripts (I recorded mine in an empty computer lab and could still barely hear it with the volume set to max).
In any event, the students would surely enjoy the project, and the combination of ease of use and adaptation to various standards of learning make it something I will likely try in the classroom as soon as I'm able to.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Week 10 - Virtual Schooling
Hello Blog -
Here are some of my thoughts on virtual schooling.
Definition of virtual schooling (from our wiki): "Any time a teacher or student uses Internet technologies to deliver/receive instruction over a distance."
Virtual schooling is an interesting topic to me. I've had conversations with friends and family about how much money Universities are spending on new "brick and mortar" buildings. It seems strange to invest so heavily into physical places to meet for instruction when technologies are making those same places obsolete (see: libraries going digital). On one hand, I believe that there can be no substitute for face to face learning (social interaction is still important). However, if one professor can publish/broadcast their lectures to a large audience (via the internet), will the demand for large numbers of professors decline? It seems like the leading expert in a given field will corner the market for virtual schooling simply because there is no size limit for virtual classrooms. Assessing/grading would certainly be an issue for a class of 1,000 (or something ridiculous), but that's one of the few cons I can think of (especially when compared with the millions of dollars that could be saved if schools stopped breaking ground on new expansion projects). The idea of making the very best instruction available to all is an intriguing one to me.
To recap:
Pros for virtual schooling = unlimited class size, very best instruction potentially available to large audiences, distance/physical barriers hardly an issue (Global classrooms? You know how they have those earpieces for the UN speeches? I bet theres some software program that can do something similar), time hardly an issue (can access instruction at 3am in your pajamas)
Cons for virtual schooling = infrastructure required (high-speed internet?), probable subscription fees (could be just as expensive as current "brick/mortar" system), lack of social interaction (probably the biggest con), grading/assessment could be daunting for large classrooms
I probably missed a few things there, and I'm really providing a lot of uneducated guesses, but it's interesting to imagine both the possibilities and potential impact that virtual schooling brings to the table. IIRC, Wikipedia has a link to Wikiversity - an inspiring example of what virtual schooling could become.
Here are some of my thoughts on virtual schooling.
Definition of virtual schooling (from our wiki): "Any time a teacher or student uses Internet technologies to deliver/receive instruction over a distance."
Virtual schooling is an interesting topic to me. I've had conversations with friends and family about how much money Universities are spending on new "brick and mortar" buildings. It seems strange to invest so heavily into physical places to meet for instruction when technologies are making those same places obsolete (see: libraries going digital). On one hand, I believe that there can be no substitute for face to face learning (social interaction is still important). However, if one professor can publish/broadcast their lectures to a large audience (via the internet), will the demand for large numbers of professors decline? It seems like the leading expert in a given field will corner the market for virtual schooling simply because there is no size limit for virtual classrooms. Assessing/grading would certainly be an issue for a class of 1,000 (or something ridiculous), but that's one of the few cons I can think of (especially when compared with the millions of dollars that could be saved if schools stopped breaking ground on new expansion projects). The idea of making the very best instruction available to all is an intriguing one to me.
To recap:
Pros for virtual schooling = unlimited class size, very best instruction potentially available to large audiences, distance/physical barriers hardly an issue (Global classrooms? You know how they have those earpieces for the UN speeches? I bet theres some software program that can do something similar), time hardly an issue (can access instruction at 3am in your pajamas)
Cons for virtual schooling = infrastructure required (high-speed internet?), probable subscription fees (could be just as expensive as current "brick/mortar" system), lack of social interaction (probably the biggest con), grading/assessment could be daunting for large classrooms
I probably missed a few things there, and I'm really providing a lot of uneducated guesses, but it's interesting to imagine both the possibilities and potential impact that virtual schooling brings to the table. IIRC, Wikipedia has a link to Wikiversity - an inspiring example of what virtual schooling could become.
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