LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Demonstrate the understanding of how technologies can effectively promote student learning:
Throughout the term so far the class has seen how technology can positively affect student learning. We understand that students learn differently these days, and that technology in today’s classroom has impacted the way teachers teach and the way students learn. In an instant students can be transported anywhere in the world or discover any piece of information with in-class internet access. Students are able to use technology to create videos, podcasts, digital stories or a variety of other applications to enhance their learning. Students are motivated by technology in the classroom through the use of multimedia that captures their interest and creates valuable learning experiences. Teachers are able to create class web sites or wikis to allow the classroom to be experienced at home where students can access class content and do homework through those sites. Blogs are a great way for students to express themselves and share what they have learned with other students. Email allows students to connect with teachers during non school hours. Technology allows teachers to increase responsiveness to different learning styles, especially with special education students. Assistive communication devices allow students with speech impairments the ability to communicate effectively. Computers make life easier for teachers by allowing them to keep better and more accurate records. Ultimately technology is a tool that promotes effective learning, and I believe it should definitely be integrated into all classrooms in America. Teachers still need to be able to engage students and deliver the content in a meaningful and relative manner.
2. Evaluate and use a variety of current technologies to enhance content instruction and to advance student’s technological literacy:
When I have my own classroom I will most definitely utilize the technological tools we have learned about throughout the course. First and foremost the ability for my students to find their way across the internet is paramount. I believe this is the doorway to technological literacy. Through the internet, students have access to a seemingly infinite amount of websites, videos, podcasts, articles, blogs, and other information to enhance their learning. The use of blogs can greatly enhance student literacy by allowing for expression, reflection and documentation of research. I would want my students to be able to know how to navigate through a class wiki which would allow them access to the classroom material outside the school building. I would encourage my students to use Diigo, which would enable them to keep track of important websites they find and allow them to keep notes and highlights on those websites. I would employ Scratch as a tool for creative activities like storytelling or PSA’s. It is an effective way for students to understand how to write computer code in a user friendly way that employs math and literacy skills. I would encourage my students who are averse to typing to use podcasts to record their work and turn it for homework assignments or projects. I would also have my students use Animoto as a tool for digital storytelling. Animoto allows students to create their own visual story using pictures and text. Today’s students love technology and can find it as a useful tool to boost their learning and technological skills.
3. Design meaningful and authentic digitally based learning experiences with multiple and varied assessments:
I am on the verge of creating my 1st lesson that incorporates technology through learning. I will be able to understand and be able to implement a lesson plan using a Webquest. A webquest is a student driven assignment that allows students to use the internet for most of the information needed to answer the questions the teacher asks. I will also develop a separate lesson plan that incorporates technology. I plan on creating a project based on social studies curriculum for special needs students.
4. Reflect upon and demonstrate effective use of digital tools and resources:
I admit that I got scared when it came to using technology, but after 7 short weeks I feel very comfortable using the many technological applications the class has experienced. This blog was my first opportunity to engage in the modern world of Web 2.0. Creating the blog was much easier than I thought, and I have been able to demonstrate how to share links, videos, pictures and articles through my blog posts. I have learned a great deal about Google docs and how it is an incredible tool that allows students to share and collaborate information on projects or a homework assignment. I have learned how to conduct surveys or tests using the ‘forms’ document. The class had a chance to create our own Scratch PSA regarding digital citizenship. I have discovered Diigo which is a site that allows me to keep a virtual library of websites and articles that I have discovered on the internet. I have also learned how to use Animoto to create digital stories, as well as Audioboo which aides in the creation of podcasts.
I created a nifty digital story using Animoto that highlights my family’s vacation to California last year. I have not used the podcast tool yet, but I plan to in the future.
5. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of safe, ethical, legal and moral practices related to digital information and technology:
I have thoroughly researched and discovered how to become a good digital citizen in this complex digital world. I have looked at and compared 2 documentaries on how kids grow up in the digital world. Today’s students are digital natives, meaning they have been born and raised in the digital world. I am a digital immigrant who has seen the development of technology through the years but did not grow up using it. It is important for today’s teachers to be able to relate to digital natives by providing the proper understanding of safe, ethical and legal moral practices related to how they conduct themselves in the digital world. I have learned about overuse of technology, cyberbullying, digital footprints, and netiquette.
I have created a Scratch story which is a PSA about digital citizenship. Check it out:
http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/rbergskaug/2357169
http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/rbergskaug/2357169
6. Illustrate through application how state and national standards are implemented within the curriculum (e.g., NH Curriculum Frameworks, ISTE (NETS-Teacher/NETS-Student) and NH-ICT Literacy Standards for K-12 Students (306.42)):
The state standards create a framework for what knowledge the students should be able to demonstrate upon completion of a given grade or course. I have learned about the teacher and student standards in regard to technology. I have learned that technology can enhance the accessibility of the required standards to a greater number of learners. I am currently in the process of applying those standards to my webquest project and my lesson plan. I will demonstrate how students can complete a self directed assignment incorporating technology founded in the state mandated curriculum.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of adaptive technologies and other digital resources to personalize and differentiate learning activities for every student:
I was able to utilize the Scratch Program which enables students to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share their creations. Students learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Scratch is a very user friendly application, and anyone can use Scratch. It is a great adaptive technology that allows students who learn through creating an opportunity to show off their skills.
8. Evaluate, adapt and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and professional literature:
I completed a webinar review during the 4th week of class. The webinar discussed how iPads can be an asset in the elementary level classroom. Two teachers in Michigan were chosen to run a pilot program in which they gave all of their student’s iPads for the entire school year, and all of the lessons and work produced was created with the iPad. I will also complete another literature review in the coming weeks, hopefully about how special education is positively affected by technology. In the documentary review I also looked at 2 recent documentaries that dealt with students growing up in the digital world and the state of digital citizenship. They are entitled Growing up Online and Digital Nation.
Overall the class is going great. As a digital immigrant I was hesitant about delving into the world of technology. It goes to show that exposure and practice can lead to greater understanding of a subject matter. I have realized things about the brave new world of technology that I had never considered. I will hopefully transform myself into a lifelong technological learner that will boldly go where no teacher has gone before!!
I love the cartoons!!!! They nicely add to the readablity and make your point well.
ReplyDeleteI also noticed you and I agreed on one particular point. That knowledge about technology is fleeting because it will soon be obselete. I have learn a lot in this class but wonder what good it will do me in just one year.