Journal Entry #5

Chapter 5

Journal Entry #5

Focus Question: What are search engines and how do they work?

A search engine is a resource used to retrieve information off the web. It is a software program that was developed to search information regarding a particular subject or topic. When visiting a search engine such as Google or Ask you are prompted to input keywords or phrases referencing the topic you’d like to research. After entering, the search engine quickly accesses multiple hyperlinks for you to choose from. It is important though to have multiple search keywords or phrases to properly find the information in which is useful to you. It is also important that the resources in which are providing the information are trustworthy.

Search engines such as the most commonly used (Google, Ask, Yahoo!, AOL, etc..) are used best for general searches however there are many more search engines available for more specialized searching. For example WebQuest has multiple resources tailored specifically for academic purposes and grades wanted. I explored this search engine and it appears to have different subjects in which teachers can choose from. To find other specialized search engines you can go to www.search-engines-2.com. 

 

Tech Tool 5.2 Customizing your web browser with iGoogle

This tech tool is very interesting. I love how you can pick and choose what your screen looks like. It adds easily accessible resources at your fingertips. I actually created my own iGoogle page. I was able to put things on the page that pertain to my style and interests. I was able to create a background and customize it easily.

Browsing through the options and gadgets available for iGoogle was endless. A teacher could specify what gadgets benefit the class and add some for personal enjoyment. This also retrieves information that is wanted quickly and efficiently.

I would recommend this as it allows for organization and personalization for your Google home page. I did notice that you must have a gmail account to use this process though.

 

Summary

This chapter thoroughly explains necessary components to searching for information via the computer, evaluating the materials and how to use them. I found the Google for Educators suite very useful in this chapter as it offers many different options that can be incorporate into technology teaching. Google search, Google Earth, Maps, and Blogger are among some of the most popular. This chapter also explains in detail how to teach children to search on the web. It discusses search engines in depth by explaining how they work and how to actually search. I learned that there are three ways to search on a search engine; Free-Text Speech, Keywords, and the Boolean search.

I found the five criteria for evaluating web based information extremely useful as now I am using that in my daily work as well. (Acurracy, Authority, Objectivity, Currency, and Coverage).

When searching the web rather it’s through search engines or planning websites it is important that not only the teacher use the materials selectively but the student must do the same. When assigning web based research the seven ways to combat plagiarism must be considered.

In conclusion, I found this to be a very informative chapter that teaches incorporation of technology searches.

Resources:
Franklin, T., Duran, M. & Kariuki, M. (2001). Mentoring Overcomes Barriers to Technology Integration. In J. Price et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2001 (pp. 848-849). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Journal Entry #4

Journal Entry #4

Focus Question: How can teachers integrate technology into their work as educators?

Integrating technology depends on how the teacher builds it into all aspects of their work. A teacher can use technology for many different areas of their position. It is however up to the teacher how they do this. Using technology in the classroom is divided into three main areas:

1.       Inside the classroom teaching tools- The teacher uses technology to present academic material and create interactive experiences for the children in the classroom.

2.       Outside the classroom professional resources- This when the teacher uses technology for professional administrative work.

3.       Inside and outside the classroom- The teacher asks the students to use interactive technology inside the classroom and outside of school.

Of course, teacher mindset and availability of resources does play a part with integrating use of technology. If the teacher is not trained or isn’t comfortable with the use of new ideas and classroom changes they may not be willing to participate and if adequate materials are not available then it may be difficult to integrate such new technologies.

With technology integration teachers are no longer bound to a text book or to a prepackaged curriculum. They can utilize web tools, diagrams, graphs, digital media, and online games. They also have capability to monitor success and record keeping among students. I know that a lot of the teachers I work with regularly also utilize school-home communications through blogs or emails.

Computers have become a textbook, a library, a learning environment, a teaching tool, and an office accessible from almost anywhere.

Ultimately, I feel that teachers with the proper training, patience, and confidence would greatly benefit from a classroom infused with technology. I think that now locally our district is between inclusion and infusion of technology but is quickly changing. It would be interesting to see where our local teachers score on the integration rubric.

Tech Tool 4.1

I explored both the Edutopia and NETS-T websites listed in this teaching tool resource for integrating technology in the classroom. I found both to be excellent resources with valuable information and ideas of how we can infuse technology. Although it is true that technology can seem overwhelming if prepared and given the proper tools to use such as the websites listed here the transition should be virtually seamless. 

Summary

This chapter not only discussed how teachers must build technology into their classrooms but also shared different ways it may be incorporated even with few resources available. It’s not the number of computers you have its how you use them. This is especially true in socio-economic schools. Lack of resources just means that the teacher must be more creative. Whether the teacher chooses a rotation schedule, group work, or uses for classroom and administrative duties, it is all in how innovative she is to infuse technology. Some lessons can carry over into the home or personal devices too. This lesson also states that there is no real “cookie cutter” way to integrate technology.

Resources:
Franklin, T., Duran, M. & Kariuki, M. (2001). Mentoring Overcomes Barriers to Technology Integration. In J. Price et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2001 (pp. 848-849). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.  

Journal Entry #3

Chapter 3

Journal Entry #3

Focus Question #1: What is meant by “lesson development using technology”?

Lesson development refers to all activities that teachers use to create, teach, and evaluate students. Three questions are focused on when creating a lesson.

1.       What academic content will be taught

2.       How will the content , goals, methods be taught.

3.       What form of measurement will be used to evaluate what the students have learned?

Lesson development using technology is up to the teacher to decide which electronic resources he/she uses to meet the above topic areas. Each teacher must follow the guidelines put forward by their district or state curriculum framework but details of how to execute the required topic is typically up to the teacher. The teacher must decide how to explore or explain the topic area. The internet is a great resource to find such resources. The teacher must also decide which methods and instructional strategies they would like to use. After this, they can develop how to incorporate technology into the plan. Many teachers may use support for presentation software, web-based tools, wikis, interactive software, and other assertive technologies. Teachers can also use different technology based software for assessments and grade keeping.

Tech Tool 3.1

I love that teachers have places that they can absorb new ideas to integrate into their plans. This is a great way to give teachers the opportunity to be innovative and unique in their teaching. Even for the “seasoned” teacher these website portals can spark new ideas and creativity into their thought process. Sometimes I feel that with any job we can become dull. Learning new things and having new ideas available for us to think “outside the box” keeps us fresh and excited about new things. Reading this book I am learning that there are endless resources available to keep the classroom fun and exciting.

Summary

This Chapter explains the use of technology resources within lesson plans and different examples of evaluating/assessing children. Lesson development using technology is up to the teacher to decide which electronic resources he/she uses to meet topic areas. Now knowing from reading Tech Tool 3.1, I feel it is wonderful that teachers due get some freedom explore topic areas for creative planning. Also, I was shocked at all the different assessment tools used in within schools. When I was in school I feel that most of the assessment tools were multiple choice tests and exams. I like the method of observing through performance-based assessments this way children have an opportunity to really incorporate what they have learned first hand.  

Photo by Ryan M

I feel that after reading this chapter that I truly could imagine not using technology in some form within the classroom. Not only is it an exciting and innovative to keep the children interacted, it also allows for simplicity of tracking progress, and retrieving or sharing ideas among teachers. 

Journal Entry #2

Chapter 2

Journal Entry #2

Focus Question: How do students use technology for learning visually?

Teachers can enhance learning and visual experiments through technology. With technology the teachers and incorporate online simulations, experiments, presentations, data analysis, video clips and digitized sources of graphs and charts. This is a different visual learning experience from the static words and pictures used in the past. Visual technology offers multidimensional ways of seeing the world.

Visual learning involves giving students the skills needed to critically read color and form and assess the many types of visual presentations they will encounter in school and in society. This includes pictures, images, charts, and diagrams.

Interactive visualizations are also a great teaching tool. Children can explore through digital technologies to learn more about a particular subject. Also, with visual technologies children are able to capture the past, present and future.

Tech Tool 2.4

This Tech tool has given me a lot of incite regarding the resources available to explore in technology. The opportunities for feedback within these links are amazing. I feel that these links are really great for the student to have an opportunity to explore on their own and have the availability of feedback.

These links, particularly the educational ones allow for interactive independent experiences for the children.

Photo courtesy of Matt Koltermann 

Summary

Technology in the classroom has many different components to consider. Technology can be used either teacher or student led and in a variety of settings such as group learning or individual. It has been researched that technology is a way to bring a dynamic approach to teaching verses the “flat” approach previously used. The five components to transforming learning with unique, powerful technology are: visual learning, information research and retrieval, collaborative activities, feedback and expressing creativity; these areas breakdown the areas of learning. Each of these areas is key to developing the use of technology in the class.

I enjoyed the creative expressions portion of the chapter. I feel is so important to keep children creative and continue to let them grow creatively. Being creative through the use of computers can allow for art, poetry, creative writing, and design. I feel it brings a new excitement from the paper and pen.