Thursday, September 26, 2013

Chapter 5- Researching and Evaluating Internet Infomation

Photo Credit to celt.keene on Flickr


Focus Question: What are search engines and how do they work?

Search engines have been my saving grace since high school. The use of search engines helped fuel my research papers with facts, find study material for exams and really facilitated the acquisition of the bulk of information I obtained through the years. The definition in the book is clear, concise and as simple and accurate as can be regarding search engines: "Search engines retrieve information from the Internet". Any person can access vast amounts of information regarding any topic by using key words in a search engine. For example, if I were interested in learning more about President Nixon I search the keywords "President Nixon" in a search engine and thousands of results containing websites, articles, images and video would appear. Among the more popular search engines are Google.com, Ask.com, Yahoo.com and AOL.com; although, there are specialized search engines available depending on the subject matter of the keywords. Webopedia is a search engine exclusively for researching computer and internet related information and terminology. To the novice search engine user the task of finding results may seem daunting at first, but by using specific key words the process is much simpler. The information that is out there waiting to be discovered is truly infinite.

The video below demonstrates how the powerhouse internet search engine Google works in regards to retrieving information to their database. I find it so interesting how the management of search results came about from mathematical calculations and formulas. 



Tech Tool Link: LibriVox

LibriVox is an awesome website where the user can go on and listen to recordings of published books for free. Volunteers read the books and the audio recordings are made accessible to the public. This is such a wonderful idea, especially for young children or those who have a visual impairment. This website allows for all individuals to experience the joy of books, poetry and many more literary gifts. I think as a teacher this is a great way to incorporate technology and literature into a lesson plan, which I don't believe is as easy to integrate as would a math or science subject be. LibriVox also enables the student to broaden their literary horizon. Reading certain books may present an intimidating situation for slower readers, but if they are able to listen to the material while they read the quest to successfully reading the material appears less treacherous. I'm so glad to see that there websites likes this available to the public, when given the appropriate tools and opportunities we all can flourish way beyond our expectations.

Photo Credit to kayray on Flickr

Summary & Connection:

Although sometimes daunting or difficult to maneuver, the internet really does allow for greater accessibility to information and knowledge. It is important for the teacher to guide the students into proper and efficient internet research (such as using search engines) as well as how to process the discovered information. There are several ways to search information with keywords using a search engine: free-text, keyword/exact match and Boolean. The better the user becomes at recognizing useful ways to search for information the easier it will be. With the myriad of useful information available there is also just as much incorrect and harmful information to be unearthed. In order to differentiate between the various types that are present the user must be proactive in critical reading, reading labels, distinguishing between URLs and developing criteria for evaluating the website or resource. The internet also presents the opportunity for plagiarism, whether intentional or not, to be easily done. The teacher must be sure to discuss the issue of plagiarism, how it can happen, and the ramifications that will occur as a result. Personally, I cannot fathom life without the internet, using it has become second nature. Every day there is a new component, website or resource that I find; and although I have run into some fallacies, the good outweighs the bad when researching information.

Resources: 

 Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5


I find this commercial to be a hilarious and accurate portrayal of how most individuals view information they receive from the internet. Beware: not all information from the internet is true!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Chapter 4- Integrating Technology and Creating Change

Photo Credit to Denise Krebs on Flickr

Focus Question:  What are “digital inequality” and the “participation gap”?

The terms “digital inequality” and “participation gap” refer to the discrepancies between children of high-income homes and children of low-income homes regarding access to technology. “Digital inequality” focuses on the lack of monetary resources families from low socioeconomic backgrounds have to buy the most advanced, up-to-date computer technology and software. The “participation gap” falls under the same perceived issue of technology access between various income levels. Children that fall within the participation gap do not engage in the same technological activities that their peers do, such as online activity. According to the textbook:

"If low-income and minority students are unable to use all of today's technologies as other students do, then access alone will not reduce an inequality of educational outcomes".(p.95)
I think it is imperative that as a country we work to ensure all students are given the same educational opportunities. As our world, society and education system begin to gravitate around technology. it becomes our responsibility to provide equal opportunities for technological access to all students.

The video below is very informative on ramifications that can and will occur as a result of the digital divide. Lack of technological resources as well as familiarity with these resources affects not only our children, but our country as a whole. 


Tech Tool Link: Online Technology Integration Resources: Edutopia

Prior to reading the text I had a chance to navigate through the website Edutopia. The website offers a plethora of free resources and information regarding technology integration in the classroom. I think websites such as Edutopia are such a gift to teachers, especially today's teachers who are constantly inundated with new and exciting technology that can enhance the learning experience. It's comforting to know that while some of the content may be a bit overwhelming, the teacher is certainly not alone in their quest for appropriate, stimulating activity that will help teach and familiarize their students.

Summary & Connection: 

I really found this chapter quite interesting. Just seeing how far technology has come from when I was in elementary school is tremendous. Not only does the use of various technological programs increase the effectiveness of a student's learning experience, but it also helps the teacher in organization, planning, grading and presenting material. It is so important that we find a way to bridge the gap between the socioeconomic classes and technology access. Although there are activities and ways to integrate technology despite the disparity, students still suffer when they do not possess equal access to educational technological tools at home. The text made a very important distinction between change being "hard-wired" into computers and the reality that technology's impact in the classroom is navigated through the teachers, school officials and parents.




 Photo Credit to Massachusetts Education Secretary Matt Malone on Flickr 


Resources: 

 Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Chapter 3- Developing Lessons with Technology

Photo Credit to Doug Jennings on Flickr

Focus Question: How can teachers use technology to make decisions about meeting educational standards in their lesson plans?

According to the text:
Virtually every academic discipline taught in elementary and secondary schools has national, state, and local standards for teaching teachers to follow in planning their curriculum. 
Although these standards provide the basis from which teachers begin their lesson plans, they do not dictate the manner in which the teacher presents the information to their students. The content as well as method of teaching is determined by the teacher, but it is imperative that the teacher make sure he/she is meeting the standards given. Teachers can use technology by utilizing various programs, resources and websites that will help them create lessons, activities and assignments to educate their students while meeting the required curriculum. For example, while preparing students for the FCAT test, a teacher may turn to the internet to find fun, interactive and informative activities that will engage their students and prepare them for the state mandated test.

 The video below is an example of how a teacher may utilize technology to meet educational standards. By providing the videos such as this for their students, the teacher can reinforce the lesson (whether it be about shapes or patterns) as well as incorporate testing strategies that will help the students during mandatory testing.



Tech Tool Link: Online Resources for Lesson Planning: Gliffy

Gliffy is a website that allows you to create floor plans, seating charts, flowcharts, Venn diagrams and other types of visual aids. I'm interested in teaching either middle or high school students, and for me this website will be so helpful in organizing my classroom. Especially when the dreaded "testing season" comes around, by utilizing the seating chart arrangement it will take the stress of the teacher and student to try and decipher the classroom seating flow the day of the test. Not only is this program great for classroom feng shui, but the readily available charts that can be used to teach give the teacher more time on the lesson by alleviating the amount of time in constructing the diagram or chart.

Photo Credit to Gliffy
 


Summary & Connection:

I must admit that this chapter made me a little apprehensive about being a teacher. There is so much that goes into the job; it is not enough that the teacher must engage every student in their classroom, but the teacher must also be aware that their students are meeting local, state and federal standards. In my opinion, technology most definitely eases the the process of lesson planning, with the abundance of online resources teachers have more opportunities to incorporate fun and informative lessons into their teaching. It is important for the teacher to provide assessments to make sure their students are understanding the information being taught. There are numerous types of tests that can be administered to students to ensure this. While it is important for standards to be implemented to ensure that no student is being denied the education they deserve, I don't think standardized tests grasp the entire spectrum of students out there. No two individuals are alike, just as no two learners are alike. After reading this chapter I am now aware that as a teacher it is vital to the success of my students that I present lessons that will help them in reaching these objectives as well as gain and retain the knowledge.

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5

Chapter 2- Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful Technology

Photo Credit to pollyalida on Flickr
Focus Question: How do students use technology to access and assess information?

The opportunities are becoming nearly infinite for students looking to access and assess information through technology today. Students are able to access information through software programs, internet search engines, DVDs, podcasts, Power Point presentations, websites and online journals and articles. Technology has provided a multidimensional realm of possibilities in acquiring information.While accessing knowledge has benefited greatly by technology, students must be information and internet literate in order to properly assess the information. A student seeking information on an internet search engine must be able to differentiate between useful and factual information and that pertaining merely for entertainment purposes. It is the teacher's responsibility to teach the students how to think critically and check for accuracy of internet information. It is also imperative that the teacher guide students through various types of information technology so that the students have experience and are comfortable when utilizing it. 

 This video below is a wonderful example of how the use of technology benefits students in any type of classroom setting. By using the Wii device, the students are able to access information and experience of various types of sports (many of which, they most likely would not have exposure to in an everyday setting), while the teacher is able to accurately compute and track their progress. Having access to this type of technology would have certainly been appreciated on rainy days when I was in elementary school. Rather than watching movies and having the important active portion of the day interrupted, the Wii would have provided the necessary equipment to turn a regular classroom into an interactive gymnasium.


Tech Tool Link: Web Resources for Accessing and Assessing Information

As an avid participant in acquiring information online, I have a deep appreciation for websites devoted to providing knowledge. The utilization of web resources is imperative in providing information to children who are growing up in an interactive world. For example, if I want to teach my class about the planet Saturn, it is not merely sufficient to show them a two-dimensional illustration in a text book. If I wanted to truly grasp their attention and help them comprehend the vastness and greatness that Saturn is composed of I could provide them with the following website link: Cassini Equinox Mission . By providing access to a more interactive tool, complete with video, audio, picture, 360 view, the students will be deeply engaged and learn more effectively.

Summary & Connection:

In Chapter 2 I learned that students benefit less from teacher-centered instruction than they do from a student-centered approach. This means to me that as a teacher I must engage my students with real-life situations that will promote critical thinking and active collaboration. Technology plays a great role in the student-centered approach to teaching. By incorporating the various types of technology into the classroom, students are provided with better knowledge, a more interactive classroom and they are given the tools to utilize these facilities outside the school setting. Technology provides education outlets for all types of students, it benefits all students no matter their learning style and preference.

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5