Sunday, January 26, 2014

Chapter 2




Chapter 2

Focus Question: How can teachers more closely connect learning to the experiences of the digital natives who are their students?

Teachers that offer the ease and use of technology in the classroom will be able to better connect with their students and be able to better relate to the classroom of today. In the table labeled figure 2.3 in our text book, there is a bar graph listing the student engagement using various teaching tools- including technology. The highest scoring engagement was discussion and debate, as well as a close second between group projects and art and drama activities. These students need to be engaged to learn, and if they are engaged, they will be more likely not to miss school, be more plugged in (no pun intended) with classroom activities, and the ease of the scheduling of submission of assignments through email, Google docs, etc. is more beneficial also to the teachers.


The best example of using technology in the classroom is the ability to complete assignments, quizzes, etc. online. Edison State College has now implemented the use of Canvas or some other form of software as a part of a learning tool to go along with the classroom as a blended classroom. The text book can be accessed electronically as well as keeping tabs on grades, assignments, etc.  

Tech Tool 2.1: "There's an app for that." Apps are a fantastic way to specialize on a subject from the convenience of a smart phone or tablet. I can’t tell you how many times I have needed something, and it hits me to search my apps. I now have a tape measure, thermometer, and ruler on my IPhone. However, convenient tools aren't the only reason for apps. There is now application offering specific instruction on multiple subjects such as science, math, and history, etc. They offer games, notes and information that would be interesting for the students to use and research.

Overall, it is important to take advantage of the easy tools to engage with students in the classroom. We must stay relevant to our students, and it is not hard to do so! Although, there are some glitches in the campaign to encourage more use of technology in the classroom which includes time, money, attitude, and support, we must stop living in the past and step into the 21st century as it is rapidly changing our student’s way before we have the chance to help them learn.

 






Thursday, January 23, 2014

Chapter 1



Jennifer McMahon


Chapter 1


Focus Question: What roles does technology play in the lives of students and teachers?


In this day and age, technology plays one of the main roles in education. Spell check, word processing, books on tablets, grades- you name the topic regarding school- somehow technology is involved.


Just the other day, I enrolled my daughter into kindergarten online, and filled out all of the required paperwork. I needed the information regarding her medical history and guess what I can now access from my smartphone- her entire medical record. At her current school- they have an app for my computer where I can view her grades, attendance and any notes her teacher needed to translate to me.


The question is no longer how technology is involved in the classroom- but how is it not involved? Teachers rely on technology to work as the testing and assignment submission center now. Fifth graders are using tablets in the classroom, and textbooks are now becoming electronic.  


In conclusion, I would say that technology is the main role in education today and will stay that way.


Tech Tool 1.1: The smartphone is also listed as a tech tool, and I am against the use of smartphones in the classroom. I believe this would be too tempting to encourage texting, social media and will also encourage a lack of focus for both the student and the teacher.


Chapter 1 was a great way to splash into this class and educate on how quickly technology has made its prominent role in education. It is imperative to current and future educators that they stay updated on technology and how will not only improve the classroom, but could possibly be negatively affecting a student’s attention, outlook, and ability to learn in the classroom. I felt behind and not knowing that schools are already using technology as a tool in the classroom, and things are not at all how they were in the early 2000’s I am excited to continue to learn new information, and be able to communicate, relate, and help give my future students the abilities to use modern technology to learn at full capacity.

Photo below courtesy of:H.(2013,May29.)”Will You Flip For Flipped Teaching?”.The Art of Ed RSS. Retrieved from http://theartofed.com/2013/05/29/will-you-flip-for-flipped-teaching/.