I have learned much throughout this course. It has been a quick six weeks and lots of work needed to be crammed in but in the end I was sure to pull through. The textbook itself was pretty self explanatory and we covered mainly the most important points. I found the textbook extremely helpful since we did need it for almost every assignment. Mainly because of the simple fact I enjoy details and reading back to see if that's how the textbook shows. Referring to the syllabus it seems as if we covered it all. For the outcomes I believe we have the COM (Communication), CT (Critical Thinking), TIM ( Technology/Information Management), and GSR (Global Socio-cultural Responsibilities). We didn't touch base so much with QR ( Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning) because we didn't really do math in this class or even apply any because it wasn't necessary.
The grading scale we had was pretty lenient. Although, I did not feel it was right that you can keep all of your work at an "A" level and one assignment can almost fail you in the course. Also the layout of the information was difficult to track. Basically having to search throughout the entire canvas page to search for information that was scattered about. I understand it is a technology class but technology should make things simple for us. It was made to make life easier and neater for us, rather than complicated and scattered.
Now, one website I found during this course was the cpalm's standards as well as Education World. These two websites are amazing and I even did a website evaluation on one of them, the other being Cpalms which was shown to us during our lesson plan assignment. One of the videos that I ran into during all of the assignments that have stayed with me would have to be this motivation video.
I already had knowledge that many schools work with
technology. All grade levels work with technology in different ways. Although,
I did not know there were two kinds of technology use in a classroom. Either
or, inclusion or infusion is in a classroom. Inclusion demonstrates that
computers and other useful technologies are used mainly for traditional
purposes. (Approximately 30 minutes for group instruction) Infusion, meaning
actually using technologies ongoing and learning in all the academic subjects
at all grade levels. It is put into a day to day routine. Reading these two
differences I feel infusion should be used more. If it works, do not simply
include technologies but incorporate it into a day to day use. Actually
infusing technologies. What I would like to know is if either one of these
benefits the students more? I’m guessing since students learn in different
style it all varies.
Concept #2(CHP 7)
Visual thinking and concept mapping have always been a part
of schooling. Drawing and writing things on paper to generate your thought.
Although, what I didn’t know was that there are software’s to help with generating
ideas as well. Three particular ones
that are spoken in the book differentiate based on grade. First, Kidspiration
which is for elementary students. Then, Inspiration for high school students
and adults. Lastly, InspireData for middle and high school students. They all
include basically the same tools. Yet, these tools are used differently to
create an original piece. It involves brainstorming, or even unedited writing
or drawings to inspire and idea so you can get rid of that “Blank Page Stage”. Software’s
like these make it easier to create ideas. I myself have never used any of these
software’s knowingly. Therefore, I am quite interested in trying.
Concept #3 (CHP 9)
I have always known that photography is fun and interactive
with students. They love pictures/videos and that’s why so many schools have
student led news shows. Yet, I have never heard of “concept books”. Apparently,
concept books are for beginning readers and ELLs. (English Language Learners)
They can be found in libraries to show you how you can make one on your own.
The teachers read the students a book. Then the students pose for an
illustration to describe the text. Lastly, you create the book. Staging the
photographs reinforce the meaning of the concept. I feel I can incorporate this
eventually in a classroom. Although, maybe instead of photos they can quickly
sketch each other’s poses. Concepts would still be understood.
Reference:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
First, the concept that we
should challenge our students to think is obvious. What's not obvious is how
naive we are to understand the true value of computers as a source of
technology, as well as a challenge for them to learn about. Its array of
different uses has made cut short. I see classrooms, of course, using computers
to take tests or write essays but not truly exploring all the realms of a
computer. Or actually absorbing all the knowledge a computer has to offer.
Students aren't challenged to think deeper about computers. From reading in our
textbook I have come to a conclusion that when I become a teacher I should take
advantage of computers to teach students in a variety of different ways. Not
only teach them how to use a computer but also teach them about computers. Such
as using certain search engines, sifting through information to find facts,
etc. Find their interests and put those interests to work. Living in a world of
technology is important and even though we cannot process information as well
as a computer we can always use computers to our own advantage. Its also something fun for the students to engage in. I know they will appreciate that later on in life.
Now, something I found
interesting about technology was the obstacles teachers face when using
technology. Such as all the updates and the time limits they have with their
classrooms. Thinking of a classroom setting it is true that it is time wasted
to gather children to take them to a computer room and back in time for their
next class or activity they will be doing. The way I would address that would
be to create centers for the kids. Have them maybe even partner up and explore
and do assignments together. Learning the subject, about computers, and
teamwork all at the same time. Which would help greatly with covering all the
aspects of the curriculum.
Lastly, I slightly agree
with Cuban's view on technology. It has been used to keep all the kids engaged.
He even speaks about it in his article: Larry Cuban On School Reform.I remember
always using computers to do assignments in class but never learning how to do
research and analyze correctly using a computer until college. With all the
information technology holds it is possible to become astray and perceive the
wrong information as facts. Also the fact that there are so many different
views on technology, especially with the younger kids. I personally would
rather have a child grab a book than a computer because of the fact they will
have time for technology when they enter school.
In conclusion, technology can improve teaching, different views are important and students should see deeper into computers then what they do now. Computers open doors to so many different opportunities whether in or outside of a classroom. The knowledge on technology is needed and heavily looked for in jobs now. Therefore, since I will become a 21st century teacher I must learn technology to teach it.
Resources:
Cuban, L.,
& Dickenson, P. (2016, May 12). Larry Cuban on Social Reform and
Classroom Practice. Retrieved from
https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/tag/technology/.
Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
21st Century Education. (2012, May 7). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA1Aqp0sPQo
