FINAL BLOG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Based on the five stages in the article, New Insights on Technology Adoption in Schools, I perceive myself to be in the first or beginning stage.  I am still learning about the incorporation of technology into the curriculum, and how to successfully achieve this.  After this semester in EDTC 5010, I find myself better informed about the process, but still find myself wanting and needing more direction and leadership.  I am excited about my future as a teacher.  I believe that I will work hard at presenting all forms of technology to my students, and arm them with the correct usage of technology, especially computers and the Internet.  My goal is to have all participating parties, parents, administrators, tax payers, government, in the school system understand the value of technology in education.  Educating myself and other teachers will be a step in this process.  Also, showing the effect, example by research or standardized testing, of technology on education. 


From an article off of the website Technology  in Education - Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement by Margaret Honey, Katherine McMillan Culp, and Robert Spielvogel  http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm

This article confirms everything that I have learned from EDTC 5010 about technology and education.  The article says that students are learning differnetly than students did in previous generations " today's students, surrounded by digital technology since infancy, are fundamentally different from previous generations (McHale, 2005) and are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach (Prensky, 2001).", that the students must have better technology education to succeed in the work force " The employer-centered workplace of predefined jobs and career paths has given way to a worker-designed environment where individuals pursue their own assignments and must effortlessly combine technical skills with an intellectualtoolbox enriched with experiences, roles, team building, and knowledge", that the students in the United States do not rank as well as other students in other countries "by the poor performance of U.S. students on the international assessments", that young people today are consumed with technology, "For a generation of young people, technology, particularly the Internet, has assumed a substantial stake in their social and educational lives".  This article is a well written piece about the need for technology in education.  It indicates how times are changing and education needs to change to meet those needs.  Also, several different types of technology are mentioned in the article and, as we learned, it doesn't matter which type is used as long as it sparks the interest of the students and keeps them engaged in the subject matter.   

 

Unit 5

Chapter 11
What are the benefits of using a problem-solving or educational software?  By using educational software the teacher is opening up the lesson planning and learing experience to the students.  These types of software allow the student to be exposed to the information in a different way, which may help them to understand better.  Out textbook, Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom, says that "A key benefit of well-designed educational games is that they are structured to require application of content knowledge and skills in order to "win" the game, which results in students wanting to learn the information rather than learn it to pass a test." (Morrison, 2010).  The repetativeness of the games helps the students to retain the information. 

How do I choose the correct software?  Choosing the correct software is easier that one may think.  There are several online software review sheets that gives teachers a check list.  The teacher has to use their own judgement to determine the worthiness of the software.  Our textbook advises that the teacher needs to "determine why they want their students to use the software and how to know if use of the software helped students achieve the learning objectives."(Morrison, 2010)

When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?  Teachers will need to change the way they plan lessons to integrate technology.  Teachers will need to understand the software being used in order to explain to the students any problems that may arise. 

Chapter 12
What can I do to "get ready" for a lesson in which my students use computers?  Choosing educationally sound software to integrate into the lesson plan.  Educating oneself will also
be a benefit when planning on using computers in the classroom.
Where does the "computer part" come when I am teaching a lesson?  Computers can be used anytime during a lesson.  Computers can be used as an interactive discussion, like voice thread, or drill and practice,

How do you ensure access for all students with only three computers?  Group work, work stations, computer labs are all ways to integrate computer lessons when there are only three computers available.  Teachers can also use computers at recess or free time.