Does This Really Work? By Sara Sawtelle
This article was based on how to examine software, and note if it is a good tool for the classroom. The author had a few philosophies on how this may work. She compared it to the scientific method, and made a plan that was similar to this. First create a hypothesis by meeting with the school director of instruction. Second, planning the experiment by gathering a committee for all the details. Third was preparation by learning as much as possible about the software. Fourth was testing and predictions by using documentation for adjustments. Basically to sum it up you need the right teacher, time and planning to make it all happen. There are a lot of different types of software out there and it can be tough to find a few that work with your curriculum. I think it is a great idea to test the program or software using the scientific method that way you get the best for your needs. The author also points out theses top ten tips for evaluating software for your classroom:
1. Objectives
2. Plan
3. Involve
4. Evaluation of the criteria
5. An effective teacher
6. Environment and equipment
7. Training
8. Knowledge and skills
9. Monitored
10. Evaluation
I could easily adapt this to my teaching skills and classroom. I believe it is a great idea to evaluate and test software before making it official. There are so many technology tools to choose from, and by doing this screening process it will help eliminate the non-effective tools. I can use this technique for all classes and grade levels. It will be different depending on which I choose, but overall will still help significantly. I think as a teacher you have to put effort into your teaching tools to be an effective and fun teacher.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Getting Students Excited to Learn
Tech Camp Unleashes Creativity and Collaboration by Joe Bardin.
First off I just want to say everyone should take a moment to read this article it was great, and can be molded for all grade levels in many different subject areas. This article explains the many different tools teachers and students use at a weeklong tech camp. It takes place in Arizona and if you are interested you can go to the following link http://www.azk12.org . The point of this camp is to help motivated teachers by giving them basic direction and hands on experience. For the students it is also a great opportunity to get them excited about using technology in the classroom. There are many different types of technology used at this camp, but a large part of it is centered on movie making. The article gives many examples, but one that stuck out to me was about a first grade class. The class made a movie on fire safety. The task of the movie was left up to the students, they have to write the script and play as actors in it. This is a great example of using fundamental skills with technology, and a great tool to get all students involved, even the quiet ones.
I love this idea of making a movie and I could easily adapt it to my classroom just as any teacher can and should. This can also be used for any subject area whether it be language arts, science or as the article talked about using it for bilingual students where their task is to do the movie in both English and Spanish. Another great point that this article states is that students put more effort into work that is publically displayed such as movies because it reveals them to others. Taking this into account the teacher can be comforted in knowing that yes this project is fun and a great education tool. You can use movie making in so many ways and I encourage you to check out this article to read about all the exciting ways they use it at this camp.
First off I just want to say everyone should take a moment to read this article it was great, and can be molded for all grade levels in many different subject areas. This article explains the many different tools teachers and students use at a weeklong tech camp. It takes place in Arizona and if you are interested you can go to the following link http://www.azk12.org . The point of this camp is to help motivated teachers by giving them basic direction and hands on experience. For the students it is also a great opportunity to get them excited about using technology in the classroom. There are many different types of technology used at this camp, but a large part of it is centered on movie making. The article gives many examples, but one that stuck out to me was about a first grade class. The class made a movie on fire safety. The task of the movie was left up to the students, they have to write the script and play as actors in it. This is a great example of using fundamental skills with technology, and a great tool to get all students involved, even the quiet ones.
I love this idea of making a movie and I could easily adapt it to my classroom just as any teacher can and should. This can also be used for any subject area whether it be language arts, science or as the article talked about using it for bilingual students where their task is to do the movie in both English and Spanish. Another great point that this article states is that students put more effort into work that is publically displayed such as movies because it reveals them to others. Taking this into account the teacher can be comforted in knowing that yes this project is fun and a great education tool. You can use movie making in so many ways and I encourage you to check out this article to read about all the exciting ways they use it at this camp.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Favorite Universal Technology
What is Your Favorite Ed Tech Tool? By Paul Wurster
This article explained a survey taken by teachers that evaluates what their favorite technology is that they use in the classroom. Wurster expresses that the teachers had a hard time just picking one tool because today’s teachers use so many of them. There was three categories Wurster put the tech tools into, first is internet tools and resources. This category consisted of over one third of the votes because without this basic tool. These tools consist of email and web browsers. As a student I already use this tech tool constantly I could only imagine how important it is for teachers. Secondly, Wurster explains the category of general productivity tools. These tools include word and spread sheets. Teachers that took this survey agreed that these tools make teaching a true collaborative profession because they are able to share and connect with each other through them. An example would be making newsletter to inform staff and administration what is going on in their classrooms. The third tech tool that was a favorite to teachers was interactive whiteboards and projectors. Wurster express that teachers that use this technology agree that it is revolutionary, and students have better success with them. This is because students are engaged in activity and involved in creating their personal learning. Another great point that they make is that it is a great tool for ELD students because it can be a universal tool, and language. This is accomplished by showing pictures or drawing, so all the students understand.
All of these tech tools will be a great attribute to my classroom, and this article also shows how important technology is becoming in the classroom. I know I use most of these tools already just being a student, and I know many teachers that use them as well. Teaching is always changing because teachers should always be learning, and implementing the new tools in to their classrooms. I think all student need to be up to date on technology in the classroom so they are able to be aware outside of school. New tech tools will always continue to arise, which means learning will become more effective for all.
This article explained a survey taken by teachers that evaluates what their favorite technology is that they use in the classroom. Wurster expresses that the teachers had a hard time just picking one tool because today’s teachers use so many of them. There was three categories Wurster put the tech tools into, first is internet tools and resources. This category consisted of over one third of the votes because without this basic tool. These tools consist of email and web browsers. As a student I already use this tech tool constantly I could only imagine how important it is for teachers. Secondly, Wurster explains the category of general productivity tools. These tools include word and spread sheets. Teachers that took this survey agreed that these tools make teaching a true collaborative profession because they are able to share and connect with each other through them. An example would be making newsletter to inform staff and administration what is going on in their classrooms. The third tech tool that was a favorite to teachers was interactive whiteboards and projectors. Wurster express that teachers that use this technology agree that it is revolutionary, and students have better success with them. This is because students are engaged in activity and involved in creating their personal learning. Another great point that they make is that it is a great tool for ELD students because it can be a universal tool, and language. This is accomplished by showing pictures or drawing, so all the students understand.
All of these tech tools will be a great attribute to my classroom, and this article also shows how important technology is becoming in the classroom. I know I use most of these tools already just being a student, and I know many teachers that use them as well. Teaching is always changing because teachers should always be learning, and implementing the new tools in to their classrooms. I think all student need to be up to date on technology in the classroom so they are able to be aware outside of school. New tech tools will always continue to arise, which means learning will become more effective for all.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Virtual Classroom
Walk, Fly, Teleport to Learning, by Maureen Brown Yoder.
This article discusses how a virtual world works, and how you can integrate it into the classroom. I want to start off by saying that there are virtual worlds out there meant for adults only, so be cautious. 8.2 million children are already using some sort of virtual world, and it keeps growing. MUVE is a technology created to help enforce creative teaching and learning. It is full of content, and teaches social, technical and practical life skills. It is a great technology to keep students engaged and playful through their learning, collaboration and goals. For teachers these world's can provide a place to share resources and learn new skills.
Yoder gives a few great examples of virtual networks that are great and safe for the classroom. Teen Second life is a private network with background checks that are only accessible to teens invited by their teachers or school systems. Global Kids is another network that focuses on communit and global issues. This is a great way to engage the students on how to mix a virtual world with our world, and the real issues that comes along with it. There are also great educational games that can be used for any subject in the classroom.
This is a great assortment of learning opportunities and Yoder said, and I think will be a great attribute to the classroom. I would use this for exploring not only the students capabilities but their social and life skills as well. I could easily incorporate this into my classroom by having the students collaborate and use as a group project, and awareness. A great idea would be to create a world together that is safe, friendly, and helpful to the environment, and use it to help make it a reality. I would love to use this in my classroom to help teach the safety awareness of the internet as well. There are so many virtual world's and games out there today, and many not appropriate for students, and I would like to use this opportunity to teach them how to be safe and stay away for certain sites.
This article discusses how a virtual world works, and how you can integrate it into the classroom. I want to start off by saying that there are virtual worlds out there meant for adults only, so be cautious. 8.2 million children are already using some sort of virtual world, and it keeps growing. MUVE is a technology created to help enforce creative teaching and learning. It is full of content, and teaches social, technical and practical life skills. It is a great technology to keep students engaged and playful through their learning, collaboration and goals. For teachers these world's can provide a place to share resources and learn new skills.
Yoder gives a few great examples of virtual networks that are great and safe for the classroom. Teen Second life is a private network with background checks that are only accessible to teens invited by their teachers or school systems. Global Kids is another network that focuses on communit and global issues. This is a great way to engage the students on how to mix a virtual world with our world, and the real issues that comes along with it. There are also great educational games that can be used for any subject in the classroom.
This is a great assortment of learning opportunities and Yoder said, and I think will be a great attribute to the classroom. I would use this for exploring not only the students capabilities but their social and life skills as well. I could easily incorporate this into my classroom by having the students collaborate and use as a group project, and awareness. A great idea would be to create a world together that is safe, friendly, and helpful to the environment, and use it to help make it a reality. I would love to use this in my classroom to help teach the safety awareness of the internet as well. There are so many virtual world's and games out there today, and many not appropriate for students, and I would like to use this opportunity to teach them how to be safe and stay away for certain sites.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
ScienceTech
Digital Science Video Library, by Camilla Gagliolo.
This article is reviewing video compression technology, and it was very informative on how the program works. First of it is based on learning science through the use of technology in the classroom. The video is specially formatted for use with ipods, as well as classroom projectors. I love the fact that it comes with a how-to teachers guide that way there is no communication problems on how it works and to get started. These videos cover a range of science topics including life, earth, and physical science for the elementary level. It also includes health and integrated science for the middle school level. These videos not only display live action and real world science but it is great quality and teaching tools are included. The teaching tools range from quizzes to science vocabulary lessons, what a great visual for the students! Personally I don't like to learn science unless I'm hands-on, this is a very close experience to that, and as Gagliolo says, "bringing learning to life". Another interesting fact about this technology is that I found it wasn't too expensive, and definitely well worth it. If a program can enhance the students learning in anyway, I think it's a great investment!
I would integrate this technology into my classroom because it is a great tool for both the students and I. It will be an easy program to use in value of science because sometimes it's hard to get the message across. If a vocabulary word is able to become a visual picture in a students head, it will engage their learning. I do have to say that every child learns in a different way, although I don't think displaying it visually will do them any harm. I hope to use this, or similar technology in my classroom because I am a visual learner and it will be an easy way for me to communicate.
This article is reviewing video compression technology, and it was very informative on how the program works. First of it is based on learning science through the use of technology in the classroom. The video is specially formatted for use with ipods, as well as classroom projectors. I love the fact that it comes with a how-to teachers guide that way there is no communication problems on how it works and to get started. These videos cover a range of science topics including life, earth, and physical science for the elementary level. It also includes health and integrated science for the middle school level. These videos not only display live action and real world science but it is great quality and teaching tools are included. The teaching tools range from quizzes to science vocabulary lessons, what a great visual for the students! Personally I don't like to learn science unless I'm hands-on, this is a very close experience to that, and as Gagliolo says, "bringing learning to life". Another interesting fact about this technology is that I found it wasn't too expensive, and definitely well worth it. If a program can enhance the students learning in anyway, I think it's a great investment!
I would integrate this technology into my classroom because it is a great tool for both the students and I. It will be an easy program to use in value of science because sometimes it's hard to get the message across. If a vocabulary word is able to become a visual picture in a students head, it will engage their learning. I do have to say that every child learns in a different way, although I don't think displaying it visually will do them any harm. I hope to use this, or similar technology in my classroom because I am a visual learner and it will be an easy way for me to communicate.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Creative Technology
Fusing Art and Technology by Allison L. Downey.
This article was especially interesting to me, because I love the fact that students get to integrate the arts through technology. Art is becoming cut left and right at schools, and it is one of the most important classes of all. Instead of cutting it, why not fuse it! This article explains how a seventh grade class living in a poverty community uses art in technology to express themselves. Using Adobe paint shop, the students were assigned a variety of art projects ranging from digital media to graphic design. They were able to take images of themselves and use different techniques to alter them, either by adding paint, doubling an image, or even changing the background. Another great concept these students experienced through this was learning about different cultures, which is another very important concept all students should be learning. This is also a great technology for behavioral problems, because it helps them focus, and it is fun! As Downey states, this technology raises their awareness of and inspires intrest in a variety of careers. Learning art through technology is great because it not only ignites their imagination but it lets them explore their creativity, as Downey explains.
In my classroom I could easily adapt these ideas into any curriculm. I could use paint shop for a history lesson, just as I can with another subject. Art is a very important part of the learning process, because it lets the students learn on thier own level and lets them experience what they are capable of first hand. This technology is a three in one, you get art, technology, and a lesson plan in one software! This is definetly a purchase I will look into as a teacher, or as the seventh grade class did, get a grant to make learning happen!
This article was especially interesting to me, because I love the fact that students get to integrate the arts through technology. Art is becoming cut left and right at schools, and it is one of the most important classes of all. Instead of cutting it, why not fuse it! This article explains how a seventh grade class living in a poverty community uses art in technology to express themselves. Using Adobe paint shop, the students were assigned a variety of art projects ranging from digital media to graphic design. They were able to take images of themselves and use different techniques to alter them, either by adding paint, doubling an image, or even changing the background. Another great concept these students experienced through this was learning about different cultures, which is another very important concept all students should be learning. This is also a great technology for behavioral problems, because it helps them focus, and it is fun! As Downey states, this technology raises their awareness of and inspires intrest in a variety of careers. Learning art through technology is great because it not only ignites their imagination but it lets them explore their creativity, as Downey explains.
In my classroom I could easily adapt these ideas into any curriculm. I could use paint shop for a history lesson, just as I can with another subject. Art is a very important part of the learning process, because it lets the students learn on thier own level and lets them experience what they are capable of first hand. This technology is a three in one, you get art, technology, and a lesson plan in one software! This is definetly a purchase I will look into as a teacher, or as the seventh grade class did, get a grant to make learning happen!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Great Technology for Special Needs Students
Testing Kurzwell 3000, by Barbra Green and Joan Thormann.
This article includes a study on a software that is helpful for special needs students of all ages. Green and Thormann ask the question of how technology can help students with special needs, and I wondered the same myself. Special needs students experience a large range of learning difficulties, whether it be speech, problems in subjects, or just not being able to pay attention. Graduate students from Lesley University decided to answer this question by taking part of a study using the Kurzwell 3000 software. They tested this software on every age group of students from elementary to adults that had special needs. Right away the graduate students saw an interest from the special needs students, as they jumped at the opportunity to test this software. As all technology it had its benefits as well as downfalls, as the test went on it was prominent that the benefits exceeded. Some benefits of the software include helping with speech disabilities, test taking skills, focus and confidence. A particular aspect that struck my attention was the tool used for writing. The students are able to hear what they write so it is easier for them to pick up on missed spelled words and grammatical errors. What a great use of technology! Some of the problems they found with the software were slim, and I think you can find ways around them, such as expense and distractions. Overall the graduate students were able to agree they preferred Kurzwell 3000 over other software because of its versatility. I agree with them this is a great piece of technology, and I think every teacher should own it who works with special needs students.
The ideas presented would be easily adapted into my future classroom. Although the software may be expensive, I think it would be a great investment knowing that it would help the learning of my students. I don't know for sure if I will be working with special needs students, but I know I will come across someone who does. Even if I never used it for special needs students, I still think it would be great to use as a writing tool because of its great features I listed above. I am glad I read this article so now I can be more familiar of software that is out there, and can benefit teachers of all types of students.
This article includes a study on a software that is helpful for special needs students of all ages. Green and Thormann ask the question of how technology can help students with special needs, and I wondered the same myself. Special needs students experience a large range of learning difficulties, whether it be speech, problems in subjects, or just not being able to pay attention. Graduate students from Lesley University decided to answer this question by taking part of a study using the Kurzwell 3000 software. They tested this software on every age group of students from elementary to adults that had special needs. Right away the graduate students saw an interest from the special needs students, as they jumped at the opportunity to test this software. As all technology it had its benefits as well as downfalls, as the test went on it was prominent that the benefits exceeded. Some benefits of the software include helping with speech disabilities, test taking skills, focus and confidence. A particular aspect that struck my attention was the tool used for writing. The students are able to hear what they write so it is easier for them to pick up on missed spelled words and grammatical errors. What a great use of technology! Some of the problems they found with the software were slim, and I think you can find ways around them, such as expense and distractions. Overall the graduate students were able to agree they preferred Kurzwell 3000 over other software because of its versatility. I agree with them this is a great piece of technology, and I think every teacher should own it who works with special needs students.
The ideas presented would be easily adapted into my future classroom. Although the software may be expensive, I think it would be a great investment knowing that it would help the learning of my students. I don't know for sure if I will be working with special needs students, but I know I will come across someone who does. Even if I never used it for special needs students, I still think it would be great to use as a writing tool because of its great features I listed above. I am glad I read this article so now I can be more familiar of software that is out there, and can benefit teachers of all types of students.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
