As I was reading Romano's ideas on the implementation of a Technology-Enhanced Curriculum (TEC), I thought to myself, "Will this be possible?" I like all his ideas and implementation strategies. I think it would be a very difficult and long process. I think that it may be achievable, but will take many years.
The costs are enormous. I think that it would be a great idea for each school district to develop their own TEC implementation plans, then find grants and other ways to help pay for the program. For a school district to have TEC, they must have the technological equipment/software, to have the equipment/software, they need to have money to pay for it.
While reading the text, I thought about the Forney School District. I taught 7th grade technology in Forney, last year. Students from a particular elementary school were more technologically advanced than my other students in class. I found out that one elementary school was chosen as a test to see how successful students/teachers would be by each having their own lap-top computers. Teachers were to implement lesson plans with the use of the lap-tops. These students in my class were already able to use most of the technology applications as well understand how to use them with assignments. The elementary students have used the computer lap-tops for the last 3 years. I just found out recently that since it has been a success, the school district has now accumulated funds to provide every student/teacher a lap-top at the middle school level, beginning next year. The district plans on providing lap-tops for all elementary and high school students in the very near future. The teachers at the middle school have already received their lap-tops to begin planning assignments for next year. I think that this is a smart idea. Testing to see how the students respond to the use of technology and working out problems that arise from the test. I am sure that the middle school faculty expect and will experience many problems next year. This is to be expected with any new implementation. In the long run, I think that it will be so beneficial in preparing students to succeed in a technological world.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Online Learning
Online learning goes right along with my constructivist view of the experiences being student centered. I had the opportunity to teach computer classes last year to seventh graders. I integrated computer applications with online learning activities and WebQuests. Not only did the students get to hear the online lessons (with headphones) they got to visually see the pictures, videos, demonstrations, examples, etc. This helped students to have a more well rounded understanding of the concepts being taught. There are many students who are shy and are intimidated to answer questions out loud because of the possibility of being scolded or made fun of by others if they are wrong. Online learning helps to prevent some of this from happening. I had all the students set up blogs. Students were to post to the blogs. Only I knew their code names. The blog postings by those students who usually never spoke were really good. Their posts were pretty much open and honest. I heard from teachers, that some of the students that were fully engaged in my online activities did not participate much in their traditional classroom settings.
Those students who have Internet access at home could continue their online learning activities at home. This allows the families to get involved with their child's learning. Again, this reflects a student centered environment, but now allows for family involvement. Being a mother, I would love to be involved with my son's online assignments. This is why I have created a website for my students and their family members to know and see what we are doing in the classroom. I think that it is so important for the family to know what is going on in their child's classroom.
In November's book, "Empowering Students," he mentions how online learning can also lend itself to activities away from the classroom. He is absolutely correct! I believe that all subjects learned online can lead to other activities. Just as I am learning all kinds of valuable information about technology and being a librarian from my home computer. When I go to the school library, I put into action what I have read and learned online. Just like the students who participated in an assignment for an online science class, taking notes to classify trees and flowers (page 78).
I think that the Second Life virtual world is amazing! As soon as I saw it being demonstrated, my wheels in my mind began turning. You could use this environment to conduct any lesson. I can see, in my minds eye, students being fully engaged and actually very excited about completing assignments. I believe that it will take some time learning how to create and change the environments as well as teach students how to use it, but will all be well worth it. Since I am becoming a librarian, I also thought about creating a virtual library. This would probably take a very long time to develop, but just imagine the possibilities if it were created!
Those students who have Internet access at home could continue their online learning activities at home. This allows the families to get involved with their child's learning. Again, this reflects a student centered environment, but now allows for family involvement. Being a mother, I would love to be involved with my son's online assignments. This is why I have created a website for my students and their family members to know and see what we are doing in the classroom. I think that it is so important for the family to know what is going on in their child's classroom.
In November's book, "Empowering Students," he mentions how online learning can also lend itself to activities away from the classroom. He is absolutely correct! I believe that all subjects learned online can lead to other activities. Just as I am learning all kinds of valuable information about technology and being a librarian from my home computer. When I go to the school library, I put into action what I have read and learned online. Just like the students who participated in an assignment for an online science class, taking notes to classify trees and flowers (page 78).
I think that the Second Life virtual world is amazing! As soon as I saw it being demonstrated, my wheels in my mind began turning. You could use this environment to conduct any lesson. I can see, in my minds eye, students being fully engaged and actually very excited about completing assignments. I believe that it will take some time learning how to create and change the environments as well as teach students how to use it, but will all be well worth it. Since I am becoming a librarian, I also thought about creating a virtual library. This would probably take a very long time to develop, but just imagine the possibilities if it were created!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Primary Sources and NARA
When I read Alan November's chapter on using primary sources, I couldn't wait to check out the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website. www.archives.gov/index.html Once I got on the website, I didn't want to stop browsing it. It is full of historical facts with original, first-hand documents, manuscripts, photographs, newspaper articles, films, etc.
I am so thankful to learn how to find primary resources. I have so many ideas on how I am going to use this information as a school librarian. This will be a great tool to use with middle school students. I plan on developing a page on my website dealing with information and links to primary sources. I will use the, "Questions for using Primary Sources," (on page 61) as a guideline when helping students. I will also generate questions (as on page 67) to help students think critically about primary source material. The worksheets (pages 71-73) are a great way to help guide students to evaluating primary sources.
I am so thankful to learn how to find primary resources. I have so many ideas on how I am going to use this information as a school librarian. This will be a great tool to use with middle school students. I plan on developing a page on my website dealing with information and links to primary sources. I will use the, "Questions for using Primary Sources," (on page 61) as a guideline when helping students. I will also generate questions (as on page 67) to help students think critically about primary source material. The worksheets (pages 71-73) are a great way to help guide students to evaluating primary sources.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Connection Between Computers and Education (Perceptions)
Perceptions that Michael T. Romano makes that I most closely identify with:
There is a generalized intuitive feeling that computers should have a vital role in teaching and learning. what is lacking is a sharply focused definition of that role and a strategy for integrating computers into education alongside books. and chalkboards-in a mode that secures the teacher's central role. I know many teachers that seem to be enthusiastic about using the computer in the classroom, but have no idea where to begin. There needs to be some in depth training specifically on how to use the computer with lessons.
Because computers store multimedia information interactively retrievable utilizing software that is course-specific, they allow teachers to provide each member of the class an increased number of individualized learning experiences based on the learner's needs rather than the teacher's availability. Everyone has their own learning style. Students may use differently learning styles in regards to certain subjects as well. Multimedia programs allow students to learn at their own pace and level. The best thing about these programs is that it allows all students to be successful.
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is apparent that society is driven by information managed in three literacy modes: print literacy, video literacy, and computer literacy. To maximally empower teachers, all three should be integrated into the implementation of the curriculum. What is not apparent is how this is best accomplished. I think that this statement reflects what was mentioned above, that is, teachers are not comfortable in integrating the computer into their classroom lessons. Not that they are not willing to do it, they just do not know how to do it. Consistent training and actual lesson demonstrations would be helpful to teachers.
Interactive multimedia, stored and retrieved by computer, represents a linkage, or convergence, of print literacy, video literacy, and computer literacy. Its growing importance in contemporary society suggests it be identified by the term the new literacy. its full potential in the classroom is significant and still to be realized. The combination of all three would greatly impact a teacher's method of lesson planning. If mastered, one would have an extremely beneficial literacy program. Students would receive a well-rounded education in literacy.
The new literacy-interactive multimedia-offers teachers the opportunity to improve the fidelity, the relevancy, and the accessibility of the information driving the teaching-learning process and thus enhance student achievement. The goal is to enhance student achievement. New literacy-interactive multimedia does achieve this. It allows one multiple ways to find, grasp and understand ideas.
The fundamental role of computers in the classroom is to extend the capacity of teachers to provide individualized tutoring to learners, thus compensating for the disparity in each individual's capacity to achieve. Multimedia programs allow for students to work on an individual pace. They give tutorials, explanations, examples, etc. to help the student understand the concepts. Being a teacher, I understand that all students are not always on the same pace. These programs allow all students the capability to be successful. I think that it is a fantastic idea for each student to have their own computer.
There is a generalized intuitive feeling that computers should have a vital role in teaching and learning. what is lacking is a sharply focused definition of that role and a strategy for integrating computers into education alongside books. and chalkboards-in a mode that secures the teacher's central role. I know many teachers that seem to be enthusiastic about using the computer in the classroom, but have no idea where to begin. There needs to be some in depth training specifically on how to use the computer with lessons.
Because computers store multimedia information interactively retrievable utilizing software that is course-specific, they allow teachers to provide each member of the class an increased number of individualized learning experiences based on the learner's needs rather than the teacher's availability. Everyone has their own learning style. Students may use differently learning styles in regards to certain subjects as well. Multimedia programs allow students to learn at their own pace and level. The best thing about these programs is that it allows all students to be successful.
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is apparent that society is driven by information managed in three literacy modes: print literacy, video literacy, and computer literacy. To maximally empower teachers, all three should be integrated into the implementation of the curriculum. What is not apparent is how this is best accomplished. I think that this statement reflects what was mentioned above, that is, teachers are not comfortable in integrating the computer into their classroom lessons. Not that they are not willing to do it, they just do not know how to do it. Consistent training and actual lesson demonstrations would be helpful to teachers.
Interactive multimedia, stored and retrieved by computer, represents a linkage, or convergence, of print literacy, video literacy, and computer literacy. Its growing importance in contemporary society suggests it be identified by the term the new literacy. its full potential in the classroom is significant and still to be realized. The combination of all three would greatly impact a teacher's method of lesson planning. If mastered, one would have an extremely beneficial literacy program. Students would receive a well-rounded education in literacy.
The new literacy-interactive multimedia-offers teachers the opportunity to improve the fidelity, the relevancy, and the accessibility of the information driving the teaching-learning process and thus enhance student achievement. The goal is to enhance student achievement. New literacy-interactive multimedia does achieve this. It allows one multiple ways to find, grasp and understand ideas.
The fundamental role of computers in the classroom is to extend the capacity of teachers to provide individualized tutoring to learners, thus compensating for the disparity in each individual's capacity to achieve. Multimedia programs allow for students to work on an individual pace. They give tutorials, explanations, examples, etc. to help the student understand the concepts. Being a teacher, I understand that all students are not always on the same pace. These programs allow all students the capability to be successful. I think that it is a fantastic idea for each student to have their own computer.
Technological Innovations
The use of a television in a classroom has expanded over the years. Not only can one watch an educational VHS, DVD or cable station, one has the capability to conduct an interactive class by the way of video conferencing. Gradually more and more of these types of conferences are becoming available. This is an excellent way to learn and communicate with someone anywhere in the world. Every time, I have had a class by the way of video conferencing, all my students were engaged in learning, eager to ask questions and find out answers. I always try my best to keep all my students engaged in my lessons. During a video conference, I don't have to try, they just engage into the discussions by themselves.
Unfortunately, most video conferences are very expensive. Because of proven successful learning that video conferences give students, I would push that they be included in the budget. Even if it is for each class to participate in a conference once or twice a year, I believe it would be worth it. Just experiencing it would enlighten students. Hopefully, over the next few years, the conferences will not be so expensive, that way all children will be able to benefit from them.
Unfortunately, most video conferences are very expensive. Because of proven successful learning that video conferences give students, I would push that they be included in the budget. Even if it is for each class to participate in a conference once or twice a year, I believe it would be worth it. Just experiencing it would enlighten students. Hopefully, over the next few years, the conferences will not be so expensive, that way all children will be able to benefit from them.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Perceptions on Technology's Role in the Classroom
The master teachers of the Information Age are those who develop the capacity to navigate the worldwide oceans of information and selectively retrieve that which can provide an enriched experience for their learners. I feel if teachers know exactly what to look for on the web, how to search for and locate sites, and evaluate sites will be able to save time and provide beneficial information to the learner.
How teachers manage information has a major impact on the outcome of the teaching-learning process. Technology facilitates and amplifies the teacher's capacity to provide learners with information of higher fidelity in an individualized, interactive mode. I believe that teachers who thoroughly manage information for lessons and integrate it through technology will achieve positive learner results.
Teachers plan, communicate, guide, and evaluate. Information technology can be adapted to allow the teacher to do these better and, thus, impact positively the efficiency of the teaching-learning process. I agree that information technology helps guide teacher instruction. It allows the teacher to view and evaluate multiple sources based on criteria and specific needs for planning purposes.
There is compelling evidence that learning is heightened when teachers create visually rich experiences, this engaging the learner's entire brain-rather than only half. I believe that a well rounded education is achieved not only by hearing it but by seeing visuals as well.
In great part, the effectiveness of the communication phase of the teaching-learning process determines the outcome. A teacher must communicate information clearly, therefore evaluating information on websites is crucial before teaching it. A teacher must make sure the information is clear and accurate, not misleading or difficult to decipher.
Information technology skillfully integrated into the curriculum will allow teachers to improve the fidelity, relevancy, and accessibility of the information they make available to learners. It is proposed that this empowers teachers so that they might do what they do-better. I feel that teachers who integrate information technology with curriculum will see positive results. Not only on assignments, but how students will continue to use information technology in many areas.
I know that I will benefit from the knowledge I have gained in this class. When I am a school librarian, I plan on using information technology in a number of areas. Not only will I use it for myself, but I plan on using it directly with the students, teachers and administrators. I have many ideas about what I am going to do. I can't wait to create a library website where I will be able to incorporate them.
How teachers manage information has a major impact on the outcome of the teaching-learning process. Technology facilitates and amplifies the teacher's capacity to provide learners with information of higher fidelity in an individualized, interactive mode. I believe that teachers who thoroughly manage information for lessons and integrate it through technology will achieve positive learner results.
Teachers plan, communicate, guide, and evaluate. Information technology can be adapted to allow the teacher to do these better and, thus, impact positively the efficiency of the teaching-learning process. I agree that information technology helps guide teacher instruction. It allows the teacher to view and evaluate multiple sources based on criteria and specific needs for planning purposes.
There is compelling evidence that learning is heightened when teachers create visually rich experiences, this engaging the learner's entire brain-rather than only half. I believe that a well rounded education is achieved not only by hearing it but by seeing visuals as well.
In great part, the effectiveness of the communication phase of the teaching-learning process determines the outcome. A teacher must communicate information clearly, therefore evaluating information on websites is crucial before teaching it. A teacher must make sure the information is clear and accurate, not misleading or difficult to decipher.
Information technology skillfully integrated into the curriculum will allow teachers to improve the fidelity, relevancy, and accessibility of the information they make available to learners. It is proposed that this empowers teachers so that they might do what they do-better. I feel that teachers who integrate information technology with curriculum will see positive results. Not only on assignments, but how students will continue to use information technology in many areas.
I know that I will benefit from the knowledge I have gained in this class. When I am a school librarian, I plan on using information technology in a number of areas. Not only will I use it for myself, but I plan on using it directly with the students, teachers and administrators. I have many ideas about what I am going to do. I can't wait to create a library website where I will be able to incorporate them.
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