Sunday, June 24, 2012
New to Blogging
Chapter One Reflections
1. Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?
There are other ways computers can be used in the classroom as a tool. Teachers use computers in many ways that help students gain new knowledge or enhance new or old skills. When used, students are encouraged to gain a deeper understanding by using computers. According to Lowther and Morrison (2010), "Technology does have the potential to transform education if teacher reform their instructional practices and engage students in meaningful learning and use of 21st-century knowledge ans skills" (Pg.4). Overall, Inquiry-based learning seems to be a good way to incorporate the technology of today in order to secure students learning in the future.
2. Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?
It is important to know that they can still be used, but should not be the only software. These kinds of teaching approaches can help students learn skills or practice new or old skills. Tutorial can still be used in order for students to learn how to approach the skill that will be taught. However, drill-and-practice exercise should be taught with caution because students should be able to truly understand what is taught, not just memorize what they have seen numerous times.
3. Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?
Most teachers spend a lot of their time developing lesson plans and units that are meaningful for their students. Even though it takes a bit longer to incorporate various problem solving and technology, I think it is worth the extra time if students are learning and reaching their goals of learning.
4. Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?
No, not every student will need to use the computer as a tool. According to Lowther and Morrison (2010), "The learners are empowered as they acquire new skills, and the students serving as coaches become empowered through the opportunity to educate others" (p.14). Teachers can make the other students helpers or give then certain jobs while the class completes their tasks. However, teachers should switch the jobs every now and then, so the helpers can learn new skills to teach to the others.
References
Lowther, D., and Morrison, G., (2010). Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century. Boston, MA. Pearson Education, Inc. USA
There are other ways computers can be used in the classroom as a tool. Teachers use computers in many ways that help students gain new knowledge or enhance new or old skills. When used, students are encouraged to gain a deeper understanding by using computers. According to Lowther and Morrison (2010), "Technology does have the potential to transform education if teacher reform their instructional practices and engage students in meaningful learning and use of 21st-century knowledge ans skills" (Pg.4). Overall, Inquiry-based learning seems to be a good way to incorporate the technology of today in order to secure students learning in the future.
2. Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?
It is important to know that they can still be used, but should not be the only software. These kinds of teaching approaches can help students learn skills or practice new or old skills. Tutorial can still be used in order for students to learn how to approach the skill that will be taught. However, drill-and-practice exercise should be taught with caution because students should be able to truly understand what is taught, not just memorize what they have seen numerous times.
3. Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?
Most teachers spend a lot of their time developing lesson plans and units that are meaningful for their students. Even though it takes a bit longer to incorporate various problem solving and technology, I think it is worth the extra time if students are learning and reaching their goals of learning.
4. Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?
No, not every student will need to use the computer as a tool. According to Lowther and Morrison (2010), "The learners are empowered as they acquire new skills, and the students serving as coaches become empowered through the opportunity to educate others" (p.14). Teachers can make the other students helpers or give then certain jobs while the class completes their tasks. However, teachers should switch the jobs every now and then, so the helpers can learn new skills to teach to the others.
References
Lowther, D., and Morrison, G., (2010). Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century. Boston, MA. Pearson Education, Inc. USA
Chapter Three Reflections
1. Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
It is important to learn about different technology because it changes constantly, and with so many being developed, the more you know, the more you can teach your students growing up in a technological world. According figure 3.1 on Pg.60, the four categories of digital tools are computers, peripherals, mobile devices, and data storage. With so many of them being outdated, it is important for students to stay up to date.
2. Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile players, so why do teachers need to use both?
Teachers need both desktop and mobile computers, because even though a mobile device is just as capable as a desktop, there are things one can do that the other can't. In addition, seeing as desktops computers seem to be fading away, students should learn both ways of handling computers. An interesting quote from Pg. 66 explains that "the mobility of the laptop increases the likelihood that it will be dropped by a student during transport" (Lowther and Morrison, 2010). Also, page 67 has a table that explains the Pros and Cons of the three types of computers. It is important for teachers to view this in order to make a decision. So, think hard and keep an eye open!! Teachers should be wary of smaller devices, like laptops, cameras, mp3 players, and flash drives, because they can easily be lost or dropped.
3. How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?
Hmm... This seems like a universal question. Is it really worth the price if it only does a couple of tricks? I think that despite how limited digital devices can seem, it is still worth buying. On page 75, Table 3.3 shows the Pros and Cons of mobile devices, which can really make or break a teachers' decision to feature one. Nowadays, more mobile devices are featuring more additions that make it truly worth the money. Technology today is truly interesting!
References
Lowther, D. & Morrison, G. (2010). Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skillsfor the 21st Century. Pearson Education, Inc. Boston, MA. USA.
It is important to learn about different technology because it changes constantly, and with so many being developed, the more you know, the more you can teach your students growing up in a technological world. According figure 3.1 on Pg.60, the four categories of digital tools are computers, peripherals, mobile devices, and data storage. With so many of them being outdated, it is important for students to stay up to date.
2. Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile players, so why do teachers need to use both?
Teachers need both desktop and mobile computers, because even though a mobile device is just as capable as a desktop, there are things one can do that the other can't. In addition, seeing as desktops computers seem to be fading away, students should learn both ways of handling computers. An interesting quote from Pg. 66 explains that "the mobility of the laptop increases the likelihood that it will be dropped by a student during transport" (Lowther and Morrison, 2010). Also, page 67 has a table that explains the Pros and Cons of the three types of computers. It is important for teachers to view this in order to make a decision. So, think hard and keep an eye open!! Teachers should be wary of smaller devices, like laptops, cameras, mp3 players, and flash drives, because they can easily be lost or dropped.
3. How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?
Hmm... This seems like a universal question. Is it really worth the price if it only does a couple of tricks? I think that despite how limited digital devices can seem, it is still worth buying. On page 75, Table 3.3 shows the Pros and Cons of mobile devices, which can really make or break a teachers' decision to feature one. Nowadays, more mobile devices are featuring more additions that make it truly worth the money. Technology today is truly interesting!
References
Lowther, D. & Morrison, G. (2010). Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skillsfor the 21st Century. Pearson Education, Inc. Boston, MA. USA.
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