Why might it be important for students to learn with technology?

I think that in today’s ever-changing world it is necessary for students to become accustomed to learning, teaching, and exploring with technology from early on. Technology is everywhere…from automated doors, to computers parking our cars for us, to computers scanning our eyes for security purposes. We cannot escape technology; it is now integrated into almost every profession imaginable. Therefore, students need to become as familiar and proficient as possible with technology to assure that they do not fall behind the rest of the world. Skills in technology assure job security for the future!

I think general class discussion we have had throughout the semester thus far, along with the surveys we took at the beginning of the semester really have got me thinking about the need for technology in the classroom. Another factor that really showed me the possibilities for technology in the classroom as well as the ways in which technology is spreading to all areas was the group presentations. I saw the new and different ways technology can be introduced to students- in a way that is fun and exciting. There is technology out there that can make a paper book seem inconvenient, that revolutionizes the way a teacher instructs- making a blackboard seem archaic, and that can make student’s Mp3 players an instructional tool- not a nuisance. Technology is evolving everyday, so it is crucial that teachers and students keep up with the latest trends.

How do you effectively get a classroom full of students using laptops to focus and not get off task?

How can you effectively integrate technology into your teaching and learning?

I believe that using technologies that appeal to the students is the best way to use it as a teaching tool. Using Mp3 players, smart boards, showing or having them create digital stories, teaching through a webquest, or allowing them to use creative software such as Photoshop or GarageBand is a great way to get the students involved, learning and interested in the subject at hand. I think it is also important to try new methods, even if you have not mastered it- it gives you and the students the chance to learn as you go.

I think the work we have done so far on our webquests as well as the research and presentations we did on our group presentations really helped me realize this. This work showed me how easy it really can be to integrate technology in the classroom and how easy it can be to learn these technologies, at least in part, and use them effectively to enhance the lessons you are teaching. Also, reading and thinking about the uses of Type I and Type II technologies in the classroom - then reflecting on our experiences with them helped me to further explore this area.

What is the best way to work with students in your class who may not be familiar with these technologies- without slowing the rest of the class down?

Which strategies are most effective for maintaining order in the classroom?

I think establishing rules the first day of school and making them extremely clear to the entire class is a very important first step in maintaining classroom order. Students need to know what is expected of them. It would also be a great idea to involve the class in creating some of these rules and guidelines, when students feel that they have created something and have a responsibility they will be more likely to be cooperative and responsive. I think it is also important to establish a routine for your class. When students know what is coming next they can be better prepared to begin, which will decrease the amount of confusion and chaos.

Reading chapters in “Classroom Management” was very helpful in shedding some light on how to structure an efficient, comfortable classroom.

What can we expect as future teachers when entering schools, in the way of typical policies on classroom rules?

How can I productively react when students misbehave or act up?

Since I missed some class time and have fallen a bit behind- I have not read up on this area yet. I do look forward to it however, since this is an area I want to learn much about - and is a huge issue in my mentor’s classroom.

So, my question is …how do you keep the misbehavior from spreading like wildfire to the other students, who may have learning disabilities and other issues that make it difficult to focus?

“How to Help Someone use a Computer”

• “You are the voice of authority. Your words can wound.“ (things you have to tell yourself)
  
• “Attend to the symbolism of the interaction. Try to squat down so your eyes are just below the level of theirs. When they're looking at the computer, look at the computer. When they're looking at you, look back at them.“ (important rule)

I found these two pieces of advice in the article to be very universal. Every teacher should remember these two guiding principles. With any student, it is important to validate them and to make them feel like they are part of the solution, not part of the problem- being too authoritative can make them feel insecure. I also believe it is very important to keep eye contact, it reassures the student. It is especially important, with smaller children, that you squat so that you are at eye level with them. You are then on the same plane, not looking down at them from a threatening place.

When informing our classmates on e-books it will be important to keep eye contact with them to show openness and make them feel comfortable, and we will speak to them in a way that shows we are peers.


Citation: http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/pagre/how-to-help.html

Type I & Type II Uses of Technology in Education

Although Type I and Type II Usage of Technology can and perhaps should be used together, they are very different in their individual applications. Type I uses appear to merely assist teachers in instructing the same components in the same manner, while Type II uses comprise new, cutting edge methods of teaching. Type I uses include users in a reactive manner, where they simply respond to what the program is asking them to do; whereas Type II uses make the user the manager of what takes place with the programs, the computer is reacting to what they are doing. Overall, Type I uses have users reacting to the programs, and Type II uses have people reacting, interacting, and using problem solving skills.

The following are a few examples of each:

Type I

• In typing/computing class in high school (1995) we simply had our teacher walking around the room reading specific sentences that we were to type while not looking at the keyboard.

• My first year (1997) at UMO I had a Computers 101 class, that taught the basics of how to use Microsoft Excel, Word, Access. We learned things like how to click a mouse, how to open a window, how to type a document, etc… It was a tool for the teachers, they read us the basics, but it was easier to use the computers to actually learn the components involved rather than having them read to us on how to click a mouse.
• When we first got a computer in our school (elementary) we used it to learn, complete math problems, & sentence structure. It was a kind of a fill in the blank, flash card program, that our teachers really could have done themselves. However, it was a privilege we got for when we finished our regular class work.
  

Type II

• At UMO in one of my Forest courses we used a GPS MapInfo program to map out tree stands, highlighting different species of trees, bodies of water, geological features, and basic lay of the land. We could use these to calculate the number of board feet one could get out a certain area, & we could see how best to manage a forest with selective cutting.
  
• TK20, an electronic portfolio, is a great interactive way to collect work and showcase to others what you have accomplished.
  
• Taking an online course would be an interactive , problem solving way to use technology for education.
  

Citation:
Maddux, Cleborne D., and D. Lamont Johnson. "Type II Applications of Technology in Education: New and Better Ways of Teaching and Learning." Computers in the School: 1-5.

Chapter 10~ Quick Response

“Arrange internships for students” (178). Participating in learning outside the school is a great way to gain invaluable experience and knowledge.

What better way to learn than to get involved in a field that interests you? By students getting involved with internships they gain experience in areas of interest to them and possibly make contacts that will be useful to them upon entering the job field. An internship is also a great way to discover whether an area of interest is right for you. Perhaps through working in a pharmacy, a student decides this is not the route she wants to follow; then she can put her focus elsewhere when applying for colleges and deciding majors. Internships are valuable for both narrowing down which areas would be best to pursue in college and which are not of interest at all. This could potentially save a lot of headaches in the future, and help to direct and motivate students in work and in school.