ch 10 & 11

Chapter 10 explains how technology can be used for culturally and linguistically diverse students. A lot of students that come into America to learn do not know english, Using technology there are many ways that the students will be able to learn english and the American culture in class and at home. Another thing we read about was differentiated instruction (DI) and universal design for learning (UDL). Differentiated instruction is structured approaches to teaching and learning so students with diverse learning styles can succeed in school. I think this is a great strategy to use in the classroom because we will be faced with students that will have different ways of learning. Universal design for learning is an application of universal design principles to education through methods and assessments that foster access to academic success for diverse students. We also learned about universally designed classrooms, which involves changing the classroom learning environment and/or changing the ways curriculum is delivered. I believe that is important in the classroom because we want all the students to feel welcomed and not  excluded.

In chapter 11 we read about the use of assessment in schools. The textbook says that technology is a powerful tool for assessing performance because it allows students to display real-world learning in dynamic ways. We also read about digital portfolios for teachers and how important it is to have an updated portfolio. We started our portfolio on digication, and I am very happy that we did. It was a great way to start off my teaching career. It is important to have a teaching portfolio because it shows what we are able to do in academic structures and classroom teaching. We also read about student evolvement in assessment and evaluation. When we involve our students it builds partnerships for learning which is important to have in a growing classroom. The last thing that we read about was student participation systems with clickers, which according to the textbook allows students to respond anonymously to questions posed by teachers. This is important because some students might not want to speak up involving a sensitive matter, so we would be able to get important information without the student saying their name.

Is anyone opposed to using student participation with clickers?
What is another way to help students from different cultures feel welcomed?

Ch 7&8

In chapter 7 I read about the good things that technology offers us, for example it generates problem solving and inquiry learning among students. I know that it helps me, because whenever I need to know something that I am not sure of I just google it. I read about what a problem solving framework is made up of. The first step is understanding the problem; the second step is to use solving strategies; and the third step is to check answers or results. Software which refers to the codes that tell computers what functions to perform. In this chapter it showed us how to identify standard and open source software applications that are available on most school computers. In the classroom and at home we use software applications. We have to show our students how to properly use these applications, so when we have an assignment like a webquest they will be able to do the project without a problem. We read about open source software which are programs that are open for anyone to use, copy, and modify. Also we read about educational software, which is what we will be using most of the time in the classroom. The next thing we read about was how to evaluate educational software and applications. We learned that high-quality educational software and applications are open-ended and flexible so that students are challenged to keep exploring the material, but not so complex that they will become discouraged. I think this is very important because if we keep the students engaged they will want to learn more and keep going in the lesson; as apposed to making the lesson too difficult and they become discouraged and do not necessarily give it their best. We learned how important it is to compare and contrast different types of problem solving and inquiry learning software. It is important for us to do this as teachers because we have to pick the software that is right for our class. Skill based learning software teaches basic skills such as number operations in math or vocabulary words in language arts. Visual-thinking and concept-mapping software enables teachers and students to organize and outline their ideas electronically. We learned how to do this when doing our movie trailer and webquest. Also we read about how to analyze educational games and simulations as learning resources. I like the idea of educational games, because it lets the students get away from the traditional way of learning to playing a game and learning without even knowing, which is amazing. The last thing in this chapter that I read about was that "digital games for learning a new category of educationally themed games that emphasize active learning, sustained concentration and focus, and innovative approaches to problem solving."We learned how to pick games to use in the classroom, to not necessarily pick games that are solely based on winning and losing points.
In chapter 8 we read that teachers can use communication and social networking technologies as teaching and learning tools. Social networking provides ways teachers can connect with students. In this class our teacher connects with us through email and blackboard. So we are using this strategy inside and outside the classroom successfully. We learned about Synchronous communications, which happens in real time as apposed to asynchronous communications which include a delay between responses, which is what we use in our classroom. We read that teachers use digital communications for teaching, information sharing, community building, publishing student work, and energizing student writing. We read about how to examine email and text messaging as information exchanges for teachers and students. We will use this in our classroom. It is a lot easier to email and text message something rather than writing a note and giving it to the student to give to their parents. Another thing we read about was how the teachers use blogs and websites to enhance learning, this is also another thing that we do in this class, as you can see I am writing this blog for this class. We read about the three educational types of blogs which are organizational blogs, subject blogs, and teaching and learning blogs. The last thing that we read about was how to examine wikis as a collaborative learning strategy for students and teachers. We know that wiki are webpages that are created and manipulated by multiple computer users. A wikitext is a book or website that teachers and students create together as a part of a class study of a topic.

Virtual Field Trip

The virtual field trip was another thing that I didn't know about technology until today. I find it amazing how it can have so much information in one program. I was looking at a 1920's virtual tour of Ireland during WW1 and some of my classmates were looking at how the ocean looks like on the other side of the world, all on the same program. I think this would be very helpful in the classroom. You can show the students anything from anywhere during any time period and its at the tip of your fingers. I think when teaching about WW1 I would be able to show this virtual tour and the students would be able to get a real firsthand look on how the people dealt withy the war, and how they eventually moved on. In closing I am excited to get started on the web quest. I learned about digication and I want to get started.

blog 4 chapter 5&6

In chapter 5 we read about how to teach our students how to use search engines on the Internet the correct way. On the Internet we can instantly have all information available to us. We have to teach our students how to get that information and make sure that it is correct and updated information. There are a lot of different ways to access information and some of it is not correct information. Students that just started using the Internet do not understand that, they figure if it's on the computer it has to be right. We want to teach students information literacy and a big part is how to find research correctly. We also have to teach our students about specialized searches which will narrow down the focus of searches and make their search more relevant to their topic. Electronic note taking is also a new exciting way to take notes, it will keep students involved and interested when taking notes during a lesson. They can record the information and save the information they locate online. Also we read that searching the Web involves one of three search strategies, which are free text, keyword/exact match, or a boolean search which I didn't know about. It is very interesting and helpful. Another important thing is to provide age appropriate searches for the students, we all know there are a bunch of things on the Internet that the students or even we have to be see. We have to protect our students as much as we can and make the Internet a fun, and helpful learning experience for them. We also read about the four types of information problems that are found on the web, which are misinformation, malinformation, messed-up information, and mostly useless information. Obviously we want to keep our students away from all of those types of information problems. High quality online information is what we would like our students to always have when finding information on the Internet. The American Library Association says that high quality information meets five criteria which are accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. This is very helpful to know because we are going to have to find websites with high quality information for our web quest. We also read about digital ethics which is very important. We spoke a lot about it in class we have to teach our students the right and safe way to use the Internet. The last thing we learned in this chapter is how we can try to stop cyberbullying, which is real and it is a big problem in our world today. If we teach our students digital ethics the correct way hopefully we can stop cyberbullying.
     In chapter 6 we read about how to manage digital information. A key word in this chapter is information management which is the process of organizing, storing, and administering the academic materials and curriculum resources used by teachers and students in schools. It is very important to teach students how to store information on the web correctly, because it is something that will stay useful to them for the rest of their lives. We learned how to find the curriculum standards that we would need online. So after finding that we would be able to store it on our computers and have it for a reference for as long as we need. We also learned about WebQuests, virtual field trips, and videoconferencing as resources that we can educate students with. We read that webquests are virtual journeys in which students visit a group of websites that we select for them to look at different educational topics from texts, videos, pictures, and audio. It makes whatever topic we are trying to teach fun for the students. I have to learn everything about webquests because I am a little nervous knowing that I have to create one. Of course we want our students to learn in the classroom from us teachers, but they can also have a virtual school experience which is taught through online learning. Another thing we learned is that there are six types od educational websites, which are lesson plan, student-to-expert communications, real-time and recorded data, archival and primary source, skills/practice, and exploration and discovery.
 

Take away 10/8

Today we learned a lot. In class we seen a bunch of great videos and it showed how we can use technology to teach about all different subjects. It is very refreshing to see all the different styles that each individual used to create their movie trailer. It just shows how we can change styles for each topic that we decide to incorporate technology into. I am excited and nervous to get started on the web quest. Hopefully I am able to do a great job, and it will help me in the future as a teacher.

Blog 3 chapter 4

This chapter is very important, the reason I am saying that is because it is teaching us about the uses of technology in digital-age lesson design and development. We have to have lesson plans in order to teach. I think it is vital because I believe in a structured way of education. If we don't have a plan on how we are going to teach something we can lose touch of what we want to get across to our students. This was important before technology became prevalent in the classroom, but now with technology we have an easier and more efficient way to develop a prefect lesson plan that our students deserve. I read that the lesson design and development includes 3 decisions by teachers the first one is what to teach, the second was how to teach, and the third one was how to know what students have learned. With technology we have ways to do all three of these things.
     Another thing I read about was "UDB" which is Understanding by Design. This is an approach to lesson development in which teachers formulate enduring understandings and essential questions as the basis for teaching, learning, and assessment activities for students. The reason that we want to have an in-depth lesson plan is because we want our students to successfully learn the topic that we are teaching.
     The book also demonstrates how teacher connect educational standards to lesson planning. We have common core in New York and our curriculum to help us narrow down what we should put in our lesson plans. We can use the internet to help us with what we could and should put in our lesson plans to help us become more effective teachers.
     The last thing that I found interesting is how technology is giving us different ways to test the students after teaching them a lesson. We should in some way after teaching something to students make sure that they have actually learned the information, and not just coasted by the lesson. This chapter showed that there are many ways to make sure that the students have done so. This is going to be very helpful when I start to teach.

In class we also we asked if students should be taught differently since technology progressed. I think they should but to a certain point. I think it is great to use technology, but I still think there has to be some old fashion ways that we have to keep around. We are using Ipads, smart boards, and laptops, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that the students still need an actual teacher in support of all of these new things.

Take Away Message Blog

I think that today was a great and informative class. It seems like we have so many resources right at the tip of our fingers. I am very excited to get started on this journey and make learning fun and exciting using multimedia.

Chapter 3 and 9 blog

One of the things that I thought was important in chapter 3 were the 4 theories that teachers and schools organize teaching and learning. The theories are behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and constructionism. I think this chapter summarizes some different ways to educate students, for example online learning games, virtual worlds, and interactive simulations. This chapter states that those types of teaching ways promote critical thinking and problem solving within the context of activities students find engaging and challenging.  Almost all students these days know how to use smart phones, ipads, laptops, and kindles. This is great, but the only problem is that the students do not know how to use these resources to access information. We as teachers have a responsibility to teach students how to properly use these resources. Saying that, we too need to know how to use most of these resources in ways that will benefit the students. Information literacy is the ability to use digital information, computer communication tools, and electronic networks to share ideas and start problems. I think that this is very important if we want to be successful in this new technological teaching world. Digital literacy, Media literacy, and visual literacy all include the skills needed to read and assess different types of online visual presentations. The last thing that I noticed that was in this chapter was the importance of digital citizenship which show the importance of the roles and responsibility of students for acting ethically and safely in computer and internet environment. I believe it does not get more important than this. There are so many bad things on the internet. We have to teach the students that the internet is a privilege not a right. I have read many stories and I see how dangerous the internet could be to people and they don't even know it. Grow men and women get in trouble with the internet and don't know that they are doing anything wrong, imagine some students that just started using it and don't know what they are doing. They are at risk and we as teachers have to show the students how to properly use the internet.
     In chapter 9 we see how we can use multimedia technology in the lesson to teach students. I think this is a great thing to use because we can make the lesson that might not be so fun to learn interesting. PowerPoint is a tool that has been used for a while and I think that it is vital in the technology world. You can add different pictures and music to keep the students engaged while you are teaching the lesson. Another option was utilizing You Tube in the classroom. According to the book viewing videos can be a passive experience unless teachers create opportunities for students to interact with and respond to onscreen materials. The rest of the chapter gives us different activities to educate students including taking photos, creating movies, and using podcasts and vodcasts. These are all great tools that we have to utilize in the classroom to keep the students attention, and teach effectively.

What are some ways to properly teach students about digital citizenship?
What is the next big thing in multimedia technology that will find its way into the classroom?

Blog 2 Chapter 1 and 2

     When reading the first story of chapter one I noticed that I had similarities in both stories of Hilary and Anthony. I come from a line of teachers in my family and I also never thought that I would one day become a teacher. I was always more into sports than school when I was younger. I noticed all the different examples that were used when describing how technology was used and I was amazed. I don't think of Facebook and texting as technology, its was just a part of everyday life for me. I also noticed how they transformed their knowledge of technology to help them in the classroom, and I am hoping that I can do that. I believe it is important to do this in today's world because it seems like every child is being born with an Ipad in their hand. This is the new way of teaching and we all have to adapt to it. I remember going into my sisters school to visit and seeing almost every child with an Iphone, from the 5th graders all the way to the 1st graders. It was an amazing site to see, I remember I got my first phone when I was in 8th grade and it was a pre-paid brick. Now children of all ages know how to use Iphones, Ipads, and all different types of technology. I think this is very important because that is a tool that is going to help them as they progress as student and eventually into their career. Every company is using some sort of technology, so we all better become proficient at it.
   
     In the second part of the chapter it explains how teachers can use different types of technology while teaching. I saw how it was done in the first class that we had. Professor Chen had us all participate in a poll where we got to use our cell phones. It was amazing to see how much technology has progressed in such a short number of years. In the chapter it says that teachers can incorporate computer technology into three major parts of their professional work. Those parts being Classroom instruction, outside-the-classroom activities, and inside- and outside-the-classroom learning activities for students. When inside the classroom the teachers can use technology to present academic material and create interactive learning experiences for the student in the classroom. This was exactly what Professor Chen did when giving us the poll question. When using technology outside the classroom the teachers can manage their day to day administrative and professional responsibilities. I see this done in various schools. I know in my old high school a program is given to parents by the teachers and it shows their child's progression during the year. I think this is a great way to monitor each child, so you don't have to call a child's home when he/she misses a homework it will just show up on the program. When using technology inside and outside the classroom the teachers ask students to use technology in academic learning during class time as well as outside of school. These are all great and very effective ways to incorporate technology while teaching.

     We also learned about how teachers can use 21st century technologies to teach 21st century skills to students. It states that 21st century skills represent the knowledge and understanding that students need to live and work in today's digital age. If you want to be a successful 21st century teacher you have to incorporate 21st century digital and electronic resources into all aspects of teaching and learning. The last part of this chapter talks about digital identity. A digital identity is what teachers know and are able to do with technology that includes your technology skills and talents and the way you incorporate them in your teaching. I believe by the end of this class we will all have a huge digital identity.

My questions for this chapter are:
What is next as far as advancements of technology in the classroom?
How much of a digital identity do you have to have to be successful in the classroom?

In chapter two we learned that 21st century computer technologies are vital in the classroom today for teachers in order to successfully educate students about technology and other subject matter. There are different ways to incorporate 21st century computer technologies. Some examples are through interaction, engagement, and learning among teachers and students. Also we read about WEB 2.0 tools which are a new generation of technologies that can be used to create highly interactive, inquiry-based learning experiences at all grade levels.

     We have to become technology innovators as teachers, so we can show new and exciting things about technology to our students and piers. It is very important to include all students when using technology and making sure every child understands what is being taught. We want all students to feel like they are a critical part in the lesson. Technology supports both the instructional and administrative/professional work of teaching.

     In most schools the budget is an issue when it comes to technology. Computers, smart boards, and Ipads are not cheap. They cost a lot of money to buy and also to maintain. This might be a reason why only one in five teachers use technology frequently in class to support student learning. In the chapter a good point is brought up saying that many future teachers know how to operate computers, search the internet, create PowerPoints, and communicate electronically, but are less informed about how to use technology to transform teaching and learning in schools. That is another reason why this class is vital for our teaching career. The last part of this chapter show how students use technology in their daily lives and in schools. As teachers we all have to strive to become technology-using educators which is someone who confidently integrates computers and other digital and electronic resources to create highly interactive, inquiry based learning in schools. Its very important that we all become technology using educators students today are digital natives who have grown up with technology.

My two questions are:
How can we make technology a little more affordable to schools, so we can all have the same resources?
What are some ways to make technology accessible to schools with low budgets?

     Some things that changed in the in technology is how fast it is to access information off the internet. It can literally take less than a second to google something when on a computer. Also the size of the machines that we use. The phones are getting smaller and so are the laptops and Ipads. It is amazing how small and slim they can make a product and it work so proficiently. Technology is changing more and more each day and I am very happy that I get to come along for the ride. I cannot wait to see whats going to happen next.

My Personal Learning Goals

     There are a many things that I want to learn in this class. My dream is to one day be a very successful elementary school teacher, and I know in order to do that I will have to adjust to the way teaching has evolved over the past few years. I want to learn about all the different methods to teach students through different types of technology. My sister, who is an elementary school teacher, uses new strategies in technology to teach her students and she always sees great results. I also would like to learn how to use the many types of educational programs on the computer. This will defiantly help me communicate with the students in a way that they can comprehend. Something else that I would like to learn is how to develop curriculums using different types of technology.
     This is my first semester taking classes in education, so I have a lot to learn. I look forward to learning about everything that this class has to offer. I know that this class will help me become a successful teacher.