Question 1
A teacher needs to really learn about specific software before introducing it to the students. It is important for the teacher to evaluate the software so that they can understand exactly what the students will be learning. The software must pertain to what the students are learning; otherwise the use of the instructional software would be pointless and will be a waste of time for everyone. Evaluating the software is important because it must be age appropriate and relevant to what the student is learning at the time.
Question 2
The school with limited funds would really benefit by using the tutorial software because it acts like a human tutor. It would be good for this particular school because if there are limited personnel then the program should be able to replace that instruction in a way that would still allow the kids to get some knowledge.For the teacher who wants to increase students' interest and motivation levels I would use the instructional games. The instructional games focus on motivation, so this would be the most valuable tool for the teacher.A team of teachers looking for ways to individualize learning would use problem solving software. This would be helpful because it teaches the steps involved in solving problems and the students could acquire problem solving skills because of this program.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My Classroom
My classroom will be in an suburban setting, near Philadelphia where I live. I would like to have a third grade classroom with about 25 to 30 kids in my classroom. I would like to focus on math because I know that in schools near my area the classrooms switch so one teacher will teach a specific subject. I would be able to use technology in my classroom in a lot of ways whether it be creating worksheets or having an interactive simulation for the students. I want to have a classroom large enough to have at least 2 computers available for the students to use.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Web Enrichment Chapter 2
Question 1
Using the WebQuest I searched the topic of dinosaurs from kindergarten to second grade. The topic was on their teeth so the students could decide what types of things they could eat based on what their teeth looked like. One aspect supported by WebQuest and the book uses the Behaviorist theory. The students will use reinforcement in the dinosaur activity because they have to compare their teeth with other students' teeth so they will find connections and realize there are differences from teeth of dinosaurs. This helps with teaching because it gets the kids active enough to understand that our teeth may be very different from others because of the foods we may eat. The cognitive-behavior theory is evident because there are sequences of events and instruction that is given to the students so they can have a certain order to the way they are learning the material. The systems approaches theory can be used in WebQuest because there is a task and process section that explains in detail the steps those children will need in order to do a certain activity. Scaffolding is shown in the WebQuest I used because there can be vocabulary that students will not know and it is the job of the teacher to explain what they mean so the students can build off of the words and apply them to the topic. The final theory is social activism because some of the activities for the dinosaur teeth lesson can help the students make real world connections. For example, the teeth of a meat eater will be very different from the teeth of an herbivore and that is what the WebQuest can help the students understand.
Question 2
The model I selected is the constructivist model because it basically says that the students go about a project in a more informal way in a group. I picked this model because the students had to generate their own rap based on what they know about Beowulf and what they know about rapping. They had to use their real life experiences with those two topics and combine them as a group to come up with a good end result. This model also helps with cooperative group work because the students had to work with others to come up with good concepts and to solve problems. The assignment really stressed on group work and they ultimately had to come up with a clear rap that was based off of the book. This model also shows the class how to learn through exploration. The class' assignment meant coming up with a creative rap, so every student had to try out different lyrics and piece them together to get a good grade on the assignment.
Question 3
I chose Standard 7 and indicator 1 because students can apply this to everything they do in and out of the classrooms. They can use information from diverse sources, contexts, disciplines, and cultures when writing papers or working on projects. The students can use textbooks, or interviews to help them gain all the knowledge that could be useful in completing an assignment.
Using the WebQuest I searched the topic of dinosaurs from kindergarten to second grade. The topic was on their teeth so the students could decide what types of things they could eat based on what their teeth looked like. One aspect supported by WebQuest and the book uses the Behaviorist theory. The students will use reinforcement in the dinosaur activity because they have to compare their teeth with other students' teeth so they will find connections and realize there are differences from teeth of dinosaurs. This helps with teaching because it gets the kids active enough to understand that our teeth may be very different from others because of the foods we may eat. The cognitive-behavior theory is evident because there are sequences of events and instruction that is given to the students so they can have a certain order to the way they are learning the material. The systems approaches theory can be used in WebQuest because there is a task and process section that explains in detail the steps those children will need in order to do a certain activity. Scaffolding is shown in the WebQuest I used because there can be vocabulary that students will not know and it is the job of the teacher to explain what they mean so the students can build off of the words and apply them to the topic. The final theory is social activism because some of the activities for the dinosaur teeth lesson can help the students make real world connections. For example, the teeth of a meat eater will be very different from the teeth of an herbivore and that is what the WebQuest can help the students understand.
Question 2
The model I selected is the constructivist model because it basically says that the students go about a project in a more informal way in a group. I picked this model because the students had to generate their own rap based on what they know about Beowulf and what they know about rapping. They had to use their real life experiences with those two topics and combine them as a group to come up with a good end result. This model also helps with cooperative group work because the students had to work with others to come up with good concepts and to solve problems. The assignment really stressed on group work and they ultimately had to come up with a clear rap that was based off of the book. This model also shows the class how to learn through exploration. The class' assignment meant coming up with a creative rap, so every student had to try out different lyrics and piece them together to get a good grade on the assignment.
Question 3
I chose Standard 7 and indicator 1 because students can apply this to everything they do in and out of the classrooms. They can use information from diverse sources, contexts, disciplines, and cultures when writing papers or working on projects. The students can use textbooks, or interviews to help them gain all the knowledge that could be useful in completing an assignment.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Making the Case for Technology
Question 1
In today's classrooms there is a lot more available technology for the students to use whenever necessary. When I was younger the most technology we used was an overhead projector and an old computer that was only turned on to create a word document. Today there are smart boards that can be used and a large number of computers that are readily available for teachers and students. This can present a problem when I teach in the future because there will be so many resources that I am not used to and I will need to learn how to use everything for the students' sake. To help teachers overcome this obstacle I suggest that they have a chance to experience the new technology so they can be more comfortable in the classrooms.
Question 2
Since there is so much technology out there, some of which I do not even know how to use, I would say the best thing to do is to use as many programs as possible to learn what is the best resource in teaching. It is not going to be helpful if the teacher is not willing to take a chance and use the available techology because then the students would not get a varied education. There may be some classes for teachers so they can have more instruction of how to use something like Frontpage or PowerPoint. It is difficult for teachers to have a good attitude when they are unsure of how something works and they are expected to use it. It can also be frustrating when kids themselves know more about the programs and technology than you do.
In today's classrooms there is a lot more available technology for the students to use whenever necessary. When I was younger the most technology we used was an overhead projector and an old computer that was only turned on to create a word document. Today there are smart boards that can be used and a large number of computers that are readily available for teachers and students. This can present a problem when I teach in the future because there will be so many resources that I am not used to and I will need to learn how to use everything for the students' sake. To help teachers overcome this obstacle I suggest that they have a chance to experience the new technology so they can be more comfortable in the classrooms.
Question 2
Since there is so much technology out there, some of which I do not even know how to use, I would say the best thing to do is to use as many programs as possible to learn what is the best resource in teaching. It is not going to be helpful if the teacher is not willing to take a chance and use the available techology because then the students would not get a varied education. There may be some classes for teachers so they can have more instruction of how to use something like Frontpage or PowerPoint. It is difficult for teachers to have a good attitude when they are unsure of how something works and they are expected to use it. It can also be frustrating when kids themselves know more about the programs and technology than you do.
Chapter 2 Short Answers
Question 1
An advantage of using graphic tools to help students learn new concepts is that it gives each child a visual aid when learning new material. Graphic tools can be helpful because it lets students see a picture on an image of something they will have to know and understand.
Question 2
The first method is called the higher achievement outcome which means that the overall average of performance will improve by 20% which is when you would use testing to determine this. The second method is the cooperative work outcome which is when all students will score at least 15 out of 20 on a skill rubric. The third method is attitude outcome which says that students will indicate satisfaction with the lesson by an average score and an attitude survey must be completed. The fourth method is improved motivation when teachers observe on-task behavior in at least 75% of students.
Question 3
One major advantage is that they place firewall software on school networks to ensure that there is no illegal activity, hacking, or viruses ruining the computers. The firewall prevents access to unacceptable websites. Another advantage is that it always allows for access for students and teachers alike who really need to have the technology available.
An advantage of using graphic tools to help students learn new concepts is that it gives each child a visual aid when learning new material. Graphic tools can be helpful because it lets students see a picture on an image of something they will have to know and understand.
Question 2
The first method is called the higher achievement outcome which means that the overall average of performance will improve by 20% which is when you would use testing to determine this. The second method is the cooperative work outcome which is when all students will score at least 15 out of 20 on a skill rubric. The third method is attitude outcome which says that students will indicate satisfaction with the lesson by an average score and an attitude survey must be completed. The fourth method is improved motivation when teachers observe on-task behavior in at least 75% of students.
Question 3
One major advantage is that they place firewall software on school networks to ensure that there is no illegal activity, hacking, or viruses ruining the computers. The firewall prevents access to unacceptable websites. Another advantage is that it always allows for access for students and teachers alike who really need to have the technology available.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Chapter 1 Short Answer
Question 1
Name two advances or developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970s that you feel have had significant effects on education, and explain why these technological changes had such effects.
Two developments in technology that have occurred are the World Wide Web and computer programs. The World Wide Web can be so important to not only teachers and faculty but to the students as well. A teacher can easily check facts on the internet or can show students useful information that can be gained by using the World Wide Web. The advantage for students is simply making research easier. Students can gather a variety of information now without a problem, and it helps them to sort out the important facts from the disputable ones.
Computer programs are a huge development now. Programs such as Word or PowerPoint are highly advantageous because anyone can have a presentation using PowerPoint and can write a formal document using Word. Such important programs can be used by any being of any age because it has become that important and necessary in today's world.
Question 2
Discuss one emerging trend in technology and the effect it could have on classrooms and schools.
An emerging trend I have in mind is laptops. I know that for younger students this is a crazy idea to think of incorporating laptops into the curriculum but I think it would be very beneficial to students. Kids in say fourth or fifth grade can have a real advantage to using laptops because it will give them a chance to write more papers and to help with spell check so they can correct problems earlier. Laptops can also be very helpful in looking up information for any subject. Maybe one group might need to talk about a certain topic in depth and the laptop will be reliable fast tools in making that happen. Today everyone has cell phones even when they may not need them, so maybe a laptop can be something useful that will really help kids to understand more about the topic at hand.
Question 3
Explain reasons for developing an electronic portfolio.
An electronic portfolio is very important to someone like me because it shows how much I truly understand by gathering all of my documents in one easy accessible collection. Someone may develop such a portfolio because they want to be able to view everything accomplished at one easy glance. For Elementary Education the portfolio is an easy way to check and make sure all paperwork is filled out and that all possible tools and applications were used. It helps anyone to be more prepared and organized by having every piece of information in one place with no way of getting things lost. Using this electronically can really prove that someone understands computers and computer based technology so well that they can put all documents together in a portfolio.
Name two advances or developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970s that you feel have had significant effects on education, and explain why these technological changes had such effects.
Two developments in technology that have occurred are the World Wide Web and computer programs. The World Wide Web can be so important to not only teachers and faculty but to the students as well. A teacher can easily check facts on the internet or can show students useful information that can be gained by using the World Wide Web. The advantage for students is simply making research easier. Students can gather a variety of information now without a problem, and it helps them to sort out the important facts from the disputable ones.
Computer programs are a huge development now. Programs such as Word or PowerPoint are highly advantageous because anyone can have a presentation using PowerPoint and can write a formal document using Word. Such important programs can be used by any being of any age because it has become that important and necessary in today's world.
Question 2
Discuss one emerging trend in technology and the effect it could have on classrooms and schools.
An emerging trend I have in mind is laptops. I know that for younger students this is a crazy idea to think of incorporating laptops into the curriculum but I think it would be very beneficial to students. Kids in say fourth or fifth grade can have a real advantage to using laptops because it will give them a chance to write more papers and to help with spell check so they can correct problems earlier. Laptops can also be very helpful in looking up information for any subject. Maybe one group might need to talk about a certain topic in depth and the laptop will be reliable fast tools in making that happen. Today everyone has cell phones even when they may not need them, so maybe a laptop can be something useful that will really help kids to understand more about the topic at hand.
Question 3
Explain reasons for developing an electronic portfolio.
An electronic portfolio is very important to someone like me because it shows how much I truly understand by gathering all of my documents in one easy accessible collection. Someone may develop such a portfolio because they want to be able to view everything accomplished at one easy glance. For Elementary Education the portfolio is an easy way to check and make sure all paperwork is filled out and that all possible tools and applications were used. It helps anyone to be more prepared and organized by having every piece of information in one place with no way of getting things lost. Using this electronically can really prove that someone understands computers and computer based technology so well that they can put all documents together in a portfolio.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tina's Autobiography
My name is Christina Rainey-Bennett and I am junior at Lock Haven University. I am majoring in Elementary education and would love to pick up a Math or Reading minor before I graduate. During the school year I am an active sister in Zeta Tau Alpha and have a high position which keeps me involved.
I have very little use with technology to this point in my education. I am very good at using PowerPoint and Microsoft Word, but I lack in everything else. I have a fear of trying to use more technology or using more documents on my computer because I have never been introduced to anything else. In classrooms I can use an overhead projector and DVD players, but using the Smart Board is something very new to me and I would like to learn how to use something like that.
Through this course I hope to gain a better understanding of the programs on my computer that I have yet to use since I bought this computer. I would like to be able to use more programs so I can incorporate them in classroom activities. I want to feel more comfortable in using various devices as well such as the Smart Board and getting used to other computers and how they work.
I have very little use with technology to this point in my education. I am very good at using PowerPoint and Microsoft Word, but I lack in everything else. I have a fear of trying to use more technology or using more documents on my computer because I have never been introduced to anything else. In classrooms I can use an overhead projector and DVD players, but using the Smart Board is something very new to me and I would like to learn how to use something like that.
Through this course I hope to gain a better understanding of the programs on my computer that I have yet to use since I bought this computer. I would like to be able to use more programs so I can incorporate them in classroom activities. I want to feel more comfortable in using various devices as well such as the Smart Board and getting used to other computers and how they work.
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