Can technology integration benefit everyone?
I believe that the integration of technology can benefit everyone as long as it is being used correctly. Just like every other tool that educators use in the classroom, when used properly it can yield amazing results, but if it is not being used in the proper manner than it can be worthless. There are so many benefits of technology integration in the classroom at all levels, which there is not enough space to explain them all. In my class, my students when I use the MimioXi or the document camera are immediately zoned in and engaged because it allows the lessons to become more interactive. Today's students have technology incorporated into their daily lives and when they come to school, there is a disconnect sometimes because we tell them no electronic devices in school, so when they see that I am using my "electronic devices" they are so excited to see what I am going to present to them.
Technology is here to stay and removing it from the classroom is not going to benefit them. Our job as educators is to prepare our students for the world and give them the best quality education that we can. The ability to understand and use technology is a skill everyone needs to have. Technology is a great resource that can enhance teaching methods and instruction as well as enhance learning that benefits everyone.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Week Eight Essential Question
Why are there more issues with cheating, plagiarism, and related incidents now than before the web? Or are there?
As far as the elementary level, the children are still learning what plagiarism is. The extent of cheating in my classroom is looking at your neighbor's paper or copying off another person. It could also be sneaking the spelling list in the desk to copy off of it, but at the age of seven and eight, they are not that good at it (not that they should be). I am always trying to reinforce to my students why you cannot copy someone else's work and that when they are researching they have to reword and not copy word for word what they see. It is a learning process for them, so I feel as if the web has not really affected my younger elementary kids, but maybe the upper elementary grades like fourth and fifth.
At the high school level I see this being a much bigger issue, but to the extent I do not know. I am not working with this age group, but cell phones, texting, intenet, plagiarism, and cheating must be big issues. With the ease of texting or looking up an answer on the internet with phones, I feel as if cheating is easier to do. As far as plagiarism though, I feel that has always been an issue. Now with some sites and google, if a person is suspected of plagiarism it can just be imputed into the computer, and the computer can help clarify if a student is completing their own work rather than copying from sources.
As far as the elementary level, the children are still learning what plagiarism is. The extent of cheating in my classroom is looking at your neighbor's paper or copying off another person. It could also be sneaking the spelling list in the desk to copy off of it, but at the age of seven and eight, they are not that good at it (not that they should be). I am always trying to reinforce to my students why you cannot copy someone else's work and that when they are researching they have to reword and not copy word for word what they see. It is a learning process for them, so I feel as if the web has not really affected my younger elementary kids, but maybe the upper elementary grades like fourth and fifth.
At the high school level I see this being a much bigger issue, but to the extent I do not know. I am not working with this age group, but cell phones, texting, intenet, plagiarism, and cheating must be big issues. With the ease of texting or looking up an answer on the internet with phones, I feel as if cheating is easier to do. As far as plagiarism though, I feel that has always been an issue. Now with some sites and google, if a person is suspected of plagiarism it can just be imputed into the computer, and the computer can help clarify if a student is completing their own work rather than copying from sources.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Week 7 Essential Question
How can technology enhance learning when students aren’t the ones accessing
it? How can we create effective assessments using technology? Also
respond to the video that we watched about standardized testing-where is
the balance and what should we strive for?
Technology can enhance student learning even when the students themselves are not accessing it. The teacher can use technology themselves to update their lessons, enrich learning and the concepts being taught, create lessons that are more engaging, and bring learning to life. Teachers can use technology to present information in a more accessible, engaging, and interacting way. For instance, last week my students and I watched and learned a song about Abraham Lincoln in which they were able to see pictures of where he lived, Abe Lincoln, and different aspects of his life. Using a document camera to display their fellow peers work to visually show the other children what is expected is a great learning tool because the children can see an actual completed piece that meets all the requirements that were asked for.
Effective assessments can be made using technology. An assessment could be as simple as the children completing a writing piece on word. After going to an information training of the MimioVote which is a key pad system that children are able to fill in their answers to a variety of different answers. This is such a great tool because it allows the teacher to be able to access which students are grasping what is being taught and who needs more practice or clarification without the whole class knowing. It is anonymous to everyone but the teacher. Older children could create a website using google or another resource on the web and be accessed on the content and creativity that was put into the final product.
Charlotte Avenue will be piloting a test taking system that will be used for the NECAP that aims at finding the students' academic level (proficient, proficient with distinction, etc.). It basically will narrow down where the child is at academically, according to the test, by asking harder and/or easier questions to find where the student levels out, which should determine where they are academically. I think this is a better version of the paper and pencil test the students take because I feel it gives a better idea of where the children are at, however while piloting the students have to take the digital test and paper and pencil NECAP test. That brings me to the video of standardized testing. My students that I have currently do not take the NECAP, but when my students go onto third grade they take it. They are exhausted during that week and you can see they are mentally drained. They are not themselves. They are forced to take a test, which some students are not good test takers. In fact, I have to take valuable time out of my day at the end of the year to teach the children how to take the test and what it looks like. They are not use to learning or showing what they have learned in that kind of forum. They are little kids, and although the individuals in the video are older, it is hard for them to take something that seems so foreign to them. The test basically takes away individuality, like what the people in the video where saying. It takes who you are as an individual and translates it to a number score and your name. It doesn't show what you are fully capable of. If a student has a learning disability and makes a year growth, which is a huge accomplishment, it doesn't translate on the NECAP; it just continues to show the child is not where they are suppose to be.
In all honesty, I do not know how to find a balance. Like in everything else, I believe teachers should strive to teach each and every student to the best of their ability. To help them all achieve the most that THEY can regardless of the test. To ensure that each child is learning. I believe students should not be compared to each other, which is hard, but should be compared to themselves and how far they have grown as an individual and the progress they have made. That should be celebrated!
Technology can enhance student learning even when the students themselves are not accessing it. The teacher can use technology themselves to update their lessons, enrich learning and the concepts being taught, create lessons that are more engaging, and bring learning to life. Teachers can use technology to present information in a more accessible, engaging, and interacting way. For instance, last week my students and I watched and learned a song about Abraham Lincoln in which they were able to see pictures of where he lived, Abe Lincoln, and different aspects of his life. Using a document camera to display their fellow peers work to visually show the other children what is expected is a great learning tool because the children can see an actual completed piece that meets all the requirements that were asked for.
Effective assessments can be made using technology. An assessment could be as simple as the children completing a writing piece on word. After going to an information training of the MimioVote which is a key pad system that children are able to fill in their answers to a variety of different answers. This is such a great tool because it allows the teacher to be able to access which students are grasping what is being taught and who needs more practice or clarification without the whole class knowing. It is anonymous to everyone but the teacher. Older children could create a website using google or another resource on the web and be accessed on the content and creativity that was put into the final product.
Charlotte Avenue will be piloting a test taking system that will be used for the NECAP that aims at finding the students' academic level (proficient, proficient with distinction, etc.). It basically will narrow down where the child is at academically, according to the test, by asking harder and/or easier questions to find where the student levels out, which should determine where they are academically. I think this is a better version of the paper and pencil test the students take because I feel it gives a better idea of where the children are at, however while piloting the students have to take the digital test and paper and pencil NECAP test. That brings me to the video of standardized testing. My students that I have currently do not take the NECAP, but when my students go onto third grade they take it. They are exhausted during that week and you can see they are mentally drained. They are not themselves. They are forced to take a test, which some students are not good test takers. In fact, I have to take valuable time out of my day at the end of the year to teach the children how to take the test and what it looks like. They are not use to learning or showing what they have learned in that kind of forum. They are little kids, and although the individuals in the video are older, it is hard for them to take something that seems so foreign to them. The test basically takes away individuality, like what the people in the video where saying. It takes who you are as an individual and translates it to a number score and your name. It doesn't show what you are fully capable of. If a student has a learning disability and makes a year growth, which is a huge accomplishment, it doesn't translate on the NECAP; it just continues to show the child is not where they are suppose to be.
In all honesty, I do not know how to find a balance. Like in everything else, I believe teachers should strive to teach each and every student to the best of their ability. To help them all achieve the most that THEY can regardless of the test. To ensure that each child is learning. I believe students should not be compared to each other, which is hard, but should be compared to themselves and how far they have grown as an individual and the progress they have made. That should be celebrated!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Week Six Essential Question
How does teacher experience change how they view technology integration?
Teacher experience has a major factor on their view and perspective of bringing in, using, and implementing activities with technology within their own classroom with students. After reading this week's essential question I thought about one of the chapters in our text book that discussed the generation gap between not only students and teachers, but teachers and teachers as well. It discussed the "Millenials" as teachers who have had more exposure to technology than veteran teachers who were not part of the technology era and may not have had much experience with it. In today's society, it is common for almost every household to have at least one computer, but in earlier eras this was not the case. Growing up with technology, internet, and other digital resources has been very beneficial in the aspect of exposure, familiarity, and understanding of its capability, function, uses, and benefits.
From my own personal experience at Charlotte Avenue, I have experienced this generational gap in regards to technology. I do not know how many times I have been asked to fix someone's Outlook, figure out text or something on a veteran teacher's iPhone, attach a document on email, or retrieve a document off of SharePoint. These are just a few examples of what I witness on a day to day basis. In conclusion, a teacher's experience influences their ability or view on integrating technology within their classroom because they may not be as familiar on how to utilize it. I feel the more comfortable a teacher is with technology, the more a person will reap the benefits of incorporating it into his/her classroom. Like Chapter 2 in our book states, it is essential to be collaborative with members of our team, because you can help fellow coworkers become more comfortable in using technology which hopefully changes their perception of integrating and bringing in some of the "digital age" teaching and utilizing technology to help their students learn. Showing teachers that technology is not as "foreign" as they believe will hopefully show them that technology is definitely within their grasp and they are capable of bringing it into the classroom to enrich their students' learning.
Teacher experience has a major factor on their view and perspective of bringing in, using, and implementing activities with technology within their own classroom with students. After reading this week's essential question I thought about one of the chapters in our text book that discussed the generation gap between not only students and teachers, but teachers and teachers as well. It discussed the "Millenials" as teachers who have had more exposure to technology than veteran teachers who were not part of the technology era and may not have had much experience with it. In today's society, it is common for almost every household to have at least one computer, but in earlier eras this was not the case. Growing up with technology, internet, and other digital resources has been very beneficial in the aspect of exposure, familiarity, and understanding of its capability, function, uses, and benefits.
From my own personal experience at Charlotte Avenue, I have experienced this generational gap in regards to technology. I do not know how many times I have been asked to fix someone's Outlook, figure out text or something on a veteran teacher's iPhone, attach a document on email, or retrieve a document off of SharePoint. These are just a few examples of what I witness on a day to day basis. In conclusion, a teacher's experience influences their ability or view on integrating technology within their classroom because they may not be as familiar on how to utilize it. I feel the more comfortable a teacher is with technology, the more a person will reap the benefits of incorporating it into his/her classroom. Like Chapter 2 in our book states, it is essential to be collaborative with members of our team, because you can help fellow coworkers become more comfortable in using technology which hopefully changes their perception of integrating and bringing in some of the "digital age" teaching and utilizing technology to help their students learn. Showing teachers that technology is not as "foreign" as they believe will hopefully show them that technology is definitely within their grasp and they are capable of bringing it into the classroom to enrich their students' learning.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Week 5 Essential Question
How
can tools be used to increase understanding? Why can digital
storytelling be an authentic assessment? Could digital storytelling be
used in your classroom as an assessment? Should students publish their
work?
Tools in general can be utilized to increase understanding in all areas of the curriculum. I use manipilatives all the time with my students to make concepts such as making arrays or counting more concrete. In regards to technology, there are many tools that can utilized in order to aid students in their learning and understanding of a concept or concepts. For instance, my students and I just did a lesson on adjectives and nouns. Using the Mimio they had to come up the board and sort the words at the bottom into their specified category (noun or adjective) and then explain their thought process. In addition, whether using an overhead or a projector with document camera, I think the children get more out of completing a problem with them or going over an assignment step by step using the actual paper or supplies they will use and demonstrating in front of the class or small group. If the children have a question about a problem they are working on, I find that technology is a great tool to project that problem on the board to explain, clarify, and deepen my students understanding of what they are working on. These are just a few examples of how technology tools can be used to aid in learning. There are many more and I could continue, but I think the idea is expressed.
Digital storytelling can be an authentic assessment if used in the correct manner, just like everything else. Students, through digital storytelling, need to have the basic skills of sequencing, ordering elements, character development, understanding of concepts in the story, problem, solution, story development, the 5Ws. In regards, to ideas and being able to create a story line, absolutely it can be used as a form of assessment. Digital storytelling could be used in my classroom if I had the proper resources in order to implement it. As of right now I have three computers in my classroom, which is hard to cram 22 students around or even have three groups with 7 and 8 students in each group. In addition, in order for the programs they are using such as Animoto I would have to ensure that the connectivity is fast enough in order for them to load and be able to work on the story without interrupting or disconnection. This would be a great place for iPads to come in. Students creating Storybooks on the iPad and then connecting it to the projector would be amazing. So all in all, storytelling could be an authentic assessment if used correctly and when you pinpoint what you are looking for. I could tie in spelling and conventions, but as far as penmanship and formation of their letters, I would look elsewhere to evaluate. It would be the same as them creating a story with paper, pencil, and crayon, but it would be a different way of presenting the story, which is something I am explaining to them. That information can be displayed in a variety of ways to present the same information (example: graphs).
As far as second graders are concerned, i do not think that their work should be published. It could be displayed in the classroom and posted on the website with a password for viewing from home. I would not feel comfortable posting their work for the whole world to have access to unless it was anonymous and no attachments to individual students.
Tools in general can be utilized to increase understanding in all areas of the curriculum. I use manipilatives all the time with my students to make concepts such as making arrays or counting more concrete. In regards to technology, there are many tools that can utilized in order to aid students in their learning and understanding of a concept or concepts. For instance, my students and I just did a lesson on adjectives and nouns. Using the Mimio they had to come up the board and sort the words at the bottom into their specified category (noun or adjective) and then explain their thought process. In addition, whether using an overhead or a projector with document camera, I think the children get more out of completing a problem with them or going over an assignment step by step using the actual paper or supplies they will use and demonstrating in front of the class or small group. If the children have a question about a problem they are working on, I find that technology is a great tool to project that problem on the board to explain, clarify, and deepen my students understanding of what they are working on. These are just a few examples of how technology tools can be used to aid in learning. There are many more and I could continue, but I think the idea is expressed.
Digital storytelling can be an authentic assessment if used in the correct manner, just like everything else. Students, through digital storytelling, need to have the basic skills of sequencing, ordering elements, character development, understanding of concepts in the story, problem, solution, story development, the 5Ws. In regards, to ideas and being able to create a story line, absolutely it can be used as a form of assessment. Digital storytelling could be used in my classroom if I had the proper resources in order to implement it. As of right now I have three computers in my classroom, which is hard to cram 22 students around or even have three groups with 7 and 8 students in each group. In addition, in order for the programs they are using such as Animoto I would have to ensure that the connectivity is fast enough in order for them to load and be able to work on the story without interrupting or disconnection. This would be a great place for iPads to come in. Students creating Storybooks on the iPad and then connecting it to the projector would be amazing. So all in all, storytelling could be an authentic assessment if used correctly and when you pinpoint what you are looking for. I could tie in spelling and conventions, but as far as penmanship and formation of their letters, I would look elsewhere to evaluate. It would be the same as them creating a story with paper, pencil, and crayon, but it would be a different way of presenting the story, which is something I am explaining to them. That information can be displayed in a variety of ways to present the same information (example: graphs).
As far as second graders are concerned, i do not think that their work should be published. It could be displayed in the classroom and posted on the website with a password for viewing from home. I would not feel comfortable posting their work for the whole world to have access to unless it was anonymous and no attachments to individual students.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Week Four Essential Question: How can you engage all students?
There are multiple answers to this essential question. With any students no matter how old, I feel that developing a relationship with the students is very beneficial. Learning about your students and their interests as well as letting them know more about you creates a "family" unit within the classroom, but this may be easier to establish within the second grade classroom rather than high school (I wouldn't know) since I have my kids all day. I feel that developing that relationship with the children first is crucial because when there is mutual respect between the students and the teacher, the students are willing to put forth their full effort and work their hardest for your approval.
I have found that humor is absolutely crucial with my students. If their is a boring subject, changing how I talk about it (talking with excitement for example) or trying to create a fun activity with what I am teaching can be key to keeping them engaged. I think of it like a performance. If the children are bored they are going to zone out so it is my responsibility to keep them engaged and interested in what I am doing. I try to keep them on their toes so they are watching to see what I will say or do next or if I feel like I am loosing them to reel them back in. If I see they are tired, we get up and do some stretches or move around a little just to reset their focus. Relating concepts to their life or incorporating things that interest them really keeps them engaged because they had that prior interest before you began.
Tying in technology, my kids are beyond enthralled when I use to MimioTeach, MimioView, and projector. They literally inch their chairs closer and closer until they are practically on top of me just because they are so interested in what we will be doing with these amazing resources. I tell them that only the most attentive and concentrated students will be able to come up to the board to answer questions and use the Mimio and instantly they are sitting up straight, chairs are pushed in, and they are zoned in on what I am saying. They ask to use the technology about 100 times a day everyday, even though we do use it everyday, but they want to use it for everything! I have even had coworkers ask what I was teaching because when they walk by they tell me they are so enthralled at what I am teaching at the front of the classroom that if Gronk walked by they wouldn't even notice.
I have found that humor is absolutely crucial with my students. If their is a boring subject, changing how I talk about it (talking with excitement for example) or trying to create a fun activity with what I am teaching can be key to keeping them engaged. I think of it like a performance. If the children are bored they are going to zone out so it is my responsibility to keep them engaged and interested in what I am doing. I try to keep them on their toes so they are watching to see what I will say or do next or if I feel like I am loosing them to reel them back in. If I see they are tired, we get up and do some stretches or move around a little just to reset their focus. Relating concepts to their life or incorporating things that interest them really keeps them engaged because they had that prior interest before you began.
Tying in technology, my kids are beyond enthralled when I use to MimioTeach, MimioView, and projector. They literally inch their chairs closer and closer until they are practically on top of me just because they are so interested in what we will be doing with these amazing resources. I tell them that only the most attentive and concentrated students will be able to come up to the board to answer questions and use the Mimio and instantly they are sitting up straight, chairs are pushed in, and they are zoned in on what I am saying. They ask to use the technology about 100 times a day everyday, even though we do use it everyday, but they want to use it for everything! I have even had coworkers ask what I was teaching because when they walk by they tell me they are so enthralled at what I am teaching at the front of the classroom that if Gronk walked by they wouldn't even notice.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Week 3 Essential Question: How can you provide equal access to the digital world to all learners?
When I read this essential question, it was hard for me to try and find an answer. There is just a vast variety of students in a classroom that the only true way I could think of in regards to ensuring all learners have access to the digital world would be through computer labs or resources that are within the school. I do not think there is every truly going to be an "equal access" for every student due to money and restraints. For instance, we discussed using Smartphones in the classroom, but in a second grade classroom where children do not have phones that would not be plausible. As I think about the older students as well, some of them I am sure do not have internet access or only have an allotted amount they can use within a month unless they tap into a wireless network.
In general, I thought this was a difficult question because some children have the privilege of having Smartphones, internet access at home, and technological devices to use while others do not. I definitely think having iPads in the room would have decrease the barrier that some children have allowing all or groups of children to use them in order to access the internet for educational purposes. It is a quick and efficient way to get on the web without having to download an entire profile. Children can use them on the go. In addition, there are some really great applications on there that students could utilize to create a project, help with a concept being taught in school, gain information, practice skills, and the list continues of all the positive outcomes that can come from a great piece of technology.
In conclusion, in order for all children to have "equal" access to the digital world, I think it has to come from the school and the resources that are given to the students. With the economy the way that it is, I find it difficult for some of my students to even go on the website Xtramath.org to practice their math facts because they do not have a computer or they do not have internet at home. Some of my students even tell me that their parents tell them internet and computers are for adults only. That's reality and as a result I allow them time in the classroom on my computer, but its hard with 23 students and 2 computers.
In general, I thought this was a difficult question because some children have the privilege of having Smartphones, internet access at home, and technological devices to use while others do not. I definitely think having iPads in the room would have decrease the barrier that some children have allowing all or groups of children to use them in order to access the internet for educational purposes. It is a quick and efficient way to get on the web without having to download an entire profile. Children can use them on the go. In addition, there are some really great applications on there that students could utilize to create a project, help with a concept being taught in school, gain information, practice skills, and the list continues of all the positive outcomes that can come from a great piece of technology.
In conclusion, in order for all children to have "equal" access to the digital world, I think it has to come from the school and the resources that are given to the students. With the economy the way that it is, I find it difficult for some of my students to even go on the website Xtramath.org to practice their math facts because they do not have a computer or they do not have internet at home. Some of my students even tell me that their parents tell them internet and computers are for adults only. That's reality and as a result I allow them time in the classroom on my computer, but its hard with 23 students and 2 computers.
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