Digital #J - Chapter 5 (4 already completed)

Chapter 5 concepts reflected upon:

Searching is an amazing tool which is used by a vast majority of people. Information can be collected by the click of a mouse. Google has been the most popular search engine as it usually can pick up what your searching for the best. This has changed a little bit as of recent, as Google has become more conservative. Now hate and negative websites do not appear at the top list if at all. This has its benefits and negatives. However, Google still ranks highest and will likely to continue to soar as the company expands. Yahoo and Bing are quick to follow any changes Google makes.

Free-text search is the most popular search as it is the default. It searches most if not all of your keywords. This is a great search to use if you want some basic information fast. For a more accurate search it is best to use an exact match search. To find exact searches you have to put in a sentence like this, "President Obama." Some search engines can be used directly for students. The search will find material age appropriate. Also as a teacher it is crucial to have students analyze the websites they are searching. Some of the best websites are .edu and even .gov. Students must be cautious with .com and even .org. Wikipedia is the exception to .com usually, as it is backed by educated people.

Plagiarism and cheating has become an epidemic in this digital age. During my school years the best you could hope for is looking over a shoulder. Sometimes the teacher would have students grade their tests and than you could keep your own and fix your errors. Now it has gone to new levels. Papers are available for purchase online and students use cell phones to take pictures to use on their tests. Cheating is nothing new, but the access has gotten much easier. However, with todays standards it is no surprise that some students feel forced to cheat.



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References

                         Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Digital #I - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 concepts reflected upon:

Inclusion technology is a great way for students to transfer technologies. Inclusion can be used for practicing skills. An example would be having students work at the computer lab every Thursday for an hour. They can use this time to work on their skills. This should be implemented in every class, as I think the benefits of including technology will contribute to learning. Infusion is when technology is part of the classroom and is worked in the lesson plan. An example is when the teacher is teaching on the board and uses a PowerPoint in the curriculum. I believe all teachers must have technology in the class for students to reach their full potentials.

Technology must be incorporated correctly for it to be effective. Technology must be professionally used and aligned with the curriculum. Technology must be normal and not a simple "add on". Also technology should use real world situations . I believe effective real world situations might be using social sites to learn about other cultures through actual people. Maybe use a Skype or similar video software to communicate with a teacher in another country.

Mindtools is a term used for intellectual partners. You work with the computer as a partner to learn. Learning has evolved to "learning from computers" which incorporates educational games and computer based tutorials. "Learning with computers" support by conversing, doing, and explorations. Computers are intellectual partners and can help reflect information. All of these methods teach students when incorporated correctly. I believe both learning with and learning from computers can be used together. By working with computers to achieve a task, you can than proceed to learn from the computer by playing a game that you got working.

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References

                         Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Digital #H - Chapter 9

Chapter 9 concepts reflected upon:

1.) There are many programs to help students succeed. A very popular and effective program is PowerPoint. PowerPoint gives a teacher the ability to upload pictures, videos, and text into a slideshow which can be presented to students. I have used PowerPoint myself and find it an extremely effective tool. I also have been taught with PowerPoint. Presentations are easy to follow when using PowerPoint, as it can be interactive and not just text on a screen. One effective way to show off PowerPoint is to use a projector which connects through a computer. I have seen this done in a school setting when I was required to observe.

2.) Video is another effective tool which I have personally observed. Video gives students the opportunity to learn in a fun way. Students are much more apt to pay attention to a video rather than read or listen to boring text. There are many ways to incorporate video into learning. A short five to ten minute video on important topics of the lesson is the best way. Having the students write down what they learned or having questions to be answered is a great way to get students to focus. I have always learned best through video. I cannot read a text and grasp the knowledge I need, but a video has a way of dragging you into it. Reading may be a thing of the past if we continue to evolve our learning experiences.

3.) Another tool that teachers have begun to adopt is podcasting and vodcasting. Podcasting let's students listen to information at home so they can do exams and experiments in the class. Vodcasting is similar, only it includes video. If there is a large amount of information to be learned this is a good tool. However, I don't think making a full school day on top of podcasting/vodcasting is fair. Students already have a busy lifestyle and giving extra requirements at home is over the top. Also some students can't afford a computer to view vodcasts which is also unfair. Perhaps this tool is better for advanced wealthier students, but the average student I don't believe will benefit.

Credit to Lino

 

References

                         Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Digital #G - Chapter 10

Chapter 10 concepts reflected upon:

1.) Technology gives diversity to many students. It brings people together with different cultures and backgrounds. One example is black history month. This month represents the blacks and the struggle they had to endure. I do not agree with these specialized occasions. I believe everyone is equal and telling students to respect one culture over another is foolish. The past had it's mistakes, but it is time to move on. The diversity in this country is to great to focus on each minority. Asian, Spanish, Black, White, and so on all have mixed together. To treat one group differently or favorably is not the answer in my opinion.

2.) The ability to use newspapers and web resources to see what's happening around the world is great. It gives students a chance to understand the problems of other countries, including our own. Google Maps was mentioned in the test and has been used in the class. I believe this tool is very valuable for any student. They can see the language, life, events, and even the roads are informative of how other countries live. Languages are also different and can spark an interest to learn in some students.

3.) Electronic spellers and dictionaries are an amazing tool for students and teachers. This gives the ability to see the definition and spelling of a word. One great technology I have heard of is definitions when writing. Basically the ability to see or type a word and clicking or highlighting the word will show the definition. If technology like this was implemented in the classroom I think students would have a much higher knowledge base. I have had to search for words that I wanted a clear definition of, but it is much easier with simply highlighting or clicking a word.

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References

                         Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.