Chapter 11- Engaging Teacher and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

Photo Credit to Swaminathan on Flickr

Focus Question: How can teachers and students use digital portfolios as tools for learning?

Digital portfolios as defined by the text are:

"a collection of educational materials stored in an electronic format such as CD-ROM, website or computer file (p. 309)."

 Since these portfolios are interactive and much more accessible than paper portfolios, they provide a greater opportunity for teacher and students to expand on the classroom material in a much more thorough and deeper understanding. Digital portfolios allow teachers to share more about themselves and their lessons in a way that administrators, fellow teachers, parents and students can attain. By incorporating digital portfolios into the classroom, the teacher allows the students to explore their creativity and technological genius to reflect the lessons learned. While there are disadvantages that relate to the technological knowledge and accessibility of the user, I believe the advantages outweigh these possible deterrents.

The following video below is an example of a digital portfolio and how it can be used as one's self-reflection. The creator of the video was able to incorporate the classroom and activities done throughout the year while also expressing their creativity.

Tech Tool Link: Online Survey Building Resources: Poll Builder

Poll Builder is a really neat website where you can create a free and simple poll. As a teacher I could use this on my classroom page to incorporate technology and the subject matter. In order to build the poll you just have to set up a username and password, and the rest is so simple. Using this tool, a teacher can create an anonymous questionnaire or survey to gather data on their students and their progress. I created the poll below as an example of how a teacher can incorporate this technology into their classroom.


Summary & Connection:

There are certainly many ways in which technology can be used to engage teachers and students in learning and self-reflection. Teachers can assess not only student performance but their performance as well. Technology can help teachers and administrators organize and track the progress of students in a more organized and precise fashion. Digital portfolios are a way for teachers and students to promote the progress they've made throughout the year as well as reflect on the experience and lessons they've learned. Digital portfolios are a successful way to encourage students to explore their creativity while gaining more experience with technology. Participation systems are another great use of technology to engage and encourage students in the classroom. By incorporating polls and surveys, teachers can better assess how their students are doing and absorbing the knowledge being presented to them. For me, what is important to remember is that today's technology offers many ways for teachers and students to improve their experience in the classroom. Although I can become a bit intimidated by new technologies, this text and class has made me realize that they can be extremely beneficial. I guess when faced with a seemingly daunting technological task I can always remember what President Theodore Roosevelt said, "it is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."

It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/theodorero103482.html#37RhDQfftqDQAAfb.99

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

Photo Credit to Adam Melancon on Flickr

Chapter 10- Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

Photo Credit to Massachusetts Education Secretary Matt Malone on Flickr

Focus Question: How does assistive technology support efforts by teachers to reach all learners?

Assistive technology as defined in the book: "modifies the interface between students and material so that the material becomes more accessible" (p. 284). The addition of assistive technology has made education a much more tangible pursuit for students with disabilities such as hearing, sight, mobile and cognitive impairments. While assistive technology has bridged a path for such students, it is also a successful means to reach all students. The electronic speller and dictionary is an example of an assistive technology that is beneficial for all students. This device allows the student to read, listen and practice vocabulary words and definitions. With text on the screen as well as an option to listen to the words via headphones, the device is accessible to nearly all children, no matter the impairment. Calculators, speech recognition software, text reading softwares and interactive storybooks are more examples of assistive technologies that can support a teacher's effort to reach all students. Although there is controversy regarding how much technology is appropriate in the classroom and lives of children; I don't think anyone can disagree on how beneficial assistive technology can be for the educational experience when used appropriately.


The assistive technology in this video is a great example of how it can be beneficial for all students. While the technology program is marketed for children with learning disabilities or ESL students, the creative and writing process can be difficult to master for anyone. I will add, I was surprised to learn just how expensive the software program is!

Tech Tool Link: Extra-large and Online Calculators

Extra-large calculators can be very beneficial because they are light weight, yet easier to read due to their bigger size. According to the text:

"Students are more interested in this product than a smaller one because of its different size and style (p. 286)."

This can also lead to a classroom discussion on the ever shrinking screen that comes along with technology. Students could brainstorm on the positive and negative consequences of being exposed daily to smaller print. By introducing the technology, discussing it and investigating it the students will be more inclined to try it out for themselves. Online calculators are another beneficial tool for not only students, but all individuals. Jim Martindale's Calculators On-Line Center allows for students to try out many online simulations and modules. This is a great tool for practice outside of the classroom. Personally, I have used an online calculator and math program, and it helped me so much. I was able to step-by-step review the material while inputting the data all on the same screen, I had fewer distractions and a better comprehension.

Summary & Connection:

I believe the main purpose and goal of teaching is to give your students the tools and guidance necessary to succeed. Technology has become a major assistant in this process, and while it is not entirely the forefront of educational experience; it's collaboration with differentiated instruction and UDL help promote and effective learning environment for all students. Assistive technologies are extremely beneficial for students with disabilities, and they are also highly important for students without. All students can gain support and knowledge with the support of the teacher and assistive technologies. Teachers are not at disposal of technology, they have the opportunity and option to create their classroom using technology. Low tech, middle tech, and high tech options provide the teacher with various choices when incorporating technological changes into their room. It is no longer a question of why one should incorporate technology into the learning environment, it is not a how question and that question is being met with endless opportunities.

And remember...

Photo credit to Scott McLeod 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