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.



Credit to Powtoon

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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Credit to ToonDoo

 

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.

Credit to Voki

References

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

Digital #F - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 concepts reflected upon:

1.) Teachers and students have more ways to communicate than ever. Thanks to modern technology email, teacher or classroom websites, blogs, online discussions, and wikis may be used. For emails their are two versions: Emails and text messages. Text messages are shorter and can be used for as a quick way to pass on information. Email can be longer and used for more of detailed exchange of information. Teacher websites are a great way for students and parents to get to know the teacher. The teacher can post anything they wish the for the students to know. Blogging is a great way for students or teachers to write journals online about their learning experiences. Wikis can be used by both the students and teacher to form an informative webpage.

2.) Blogs are a great way to help teach students. It promotes student learning by being used for homework. It can help with learning analysis and help push students to express their views on current affairs such as Isis. It is also a great way for student and family communication. Parents of teachers can be directly involved in their students school work by viewing their blog even when the student isn't around! Also blogging gives other students the opportunity to critique and express their own views on the bloggers opinions. Finally blogging can be used by teacher as professional networking. Teachers can communicate with each other via blogs and share new ideas.

3.) Wikis are another great way to help teach students. There are a few strategies for using wikis. The first is to decide on group processes. Students can either work together on a wiki or work on their own wiki with comments and suggestions from fellow students. The second strategy is to choose the nature of the Wikitext. Teachers make the decision whether to have students make their own wiki or have them expand on an already created wiki. The third strategy is to watch for inappropriate or plagiarized material. This goes for any work, but since wikis are online it is very easy to do and teachers must be aware of what is being posted. Teachers have the option to lock wikis if necessary. The final strategy is to grade the work. Teachers must grade based on what they expect from the wiki. With options to view who updated the most, and who put the most effort in, wikis must be graded differently than average assignments. Credit to Prezi

References

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

Digital #E - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 concepts reflected upon:

1.) There are three important steps to solve any problem. Teachers must be aware of the steps, and than pass them into their students. The first is to understand the problem. The question needs to be known and what the question is referring to. After this, examine whether there are any skills already acquired that can help solve the question. The second step is to figure out strategies to solve the problem. Possible ways to do this is to break the problem down in steps, make deductions, use what they know, and figuring out what strategy will lead to the solution. Finally, the answer must be checked. Any other possible solutions must be evaluated, and mistakes must be corrected.

2.) Software is another tool used by teachers. There are two basic types of software. System software deals with computers and how they function. For example, an operating system is a system software. Application software is the actual software you put on computers, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Many times software may be unaffordable, therefore open-source software is available. It is a type of software the public can use for free or low cost.

3.) Digital games are a fun tool that can be used for learning. They are games, but with more of an educational goal that can be fun. Games give students a challenge and makes them want to advance. Not only that but games give five necessities for learning. They get "the freedom to fail; the freedom to experiment; the freedom to fashion identities; the freedom of effort; and the freedom of interpretation," (Maloy, R.W. 2014).




            Credit to Voki

References

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

Digital #D - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 concepts reflected upon:

1.) Using technology in lesson planning is a great resource for teaching students. There are countless websites available to make it easier for teachers to teach. Lesson plans can simply be used from the internet and put into a module. Some great places to go would be PBS Teachers as well as the Annenberg Learner. Apps are even being created to help with lesson planning. One great app is Tech Tool 4.1.  There are even lesson plan templates available to help any new or technology interested teachers get started.

2.) One very relative subject is how to assess and evaluate students. One thing teachers like to do is use personal experiences from the past, to teach students of the future. Often time’s teachers think that the way they were taught is best, instead of looking outside the box and learning improved ways to teach. Standardized testing, a very controversial way to teach is another method. This basically uses testing provided by the state to assess whether students are ready to advance to the next grade. This method of teaching hurts many students, because not everyone learns at the same level or by being forced to memorize test questions. Teachers also have to take a test called teacher tests, in order to prove they are competent to teach.

3.) There are many different styles of teaching. Teachers decide how to relay information to students even though the state may mandate what needs to be taught. Teachers can use the internet with wikis and databases to help them retrieve information. Ways to help students learn include simulations, groups, discussions, journals, learning games, and more. Technology can help expand these ways of teaching by using software, charts, social websites, digital cameras, and online tutoring tools. Teachers must also know what students have learned by evaluating them before, during, and after lessons. Ways to access a students learning could be electronic quizzes, digital portfolios, online surveys, and learning performance rubrics.

Kahoot! Quiz Chapter 4 Concepts