Final Project

Here's a link to all of the files for my final project.  I've uploaded them via drop box.

Click here.

Here's a link to the glog

End of Semester Reflection

Truthfully, I had no concept of how much technology is available to use in the classroom.  Sure, I knew about smart boards and clickers, document cameras and computer activities.  Before this class, however, I had never heard of Glogster, Vocaroo, Animoto, Storybird, and Rubistar, to name a few.  Also, I assumed that these types of technology would be too difficult for young students to work with, but I've learned that these little "Digital Natives" we're teaching not only pick up this technology quickly, but might even be able to teach the teachers how to use it fully.  

As far as the NETS I focused on this semester, I think my final project covers them, therefore, I've made progress on them.  For students, I wanted to explore the concept of research and information fluency.  This project requires the students to dig in and find information about specific topics.  For teachers, I focused on facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity.  The project I created gives students structure and specific goals and expectations to meet while giving them freedom to move around and be creative within the expectations.  They will create a video and a Glog, both are free open to creativity.

Taking this class has definitely helped me realize that technology can be incorporated in the classroom in countless ways.  While teaching students to use programs like Word and Powerpoint are useful, there are many other things that students can use, and will ultimately benefit from using.  I've also realized the need for moderation.  Not everything needs to be (or should be) technologically based.  Books are still valuable, but so are flip charts.  Ultimately, taking this class opened my eyes to a world of resources.

Reflection #12

In a class tonight, we briefly discussed technology in education.  As a music teacher, my professor has many opportunities to use technology in her class, but she's careful about how much tech she uses because she takes into consideration the amount of screen time her students have daily.  Other classes use projectors and smart boards, as well as computers and TV's.  This, combined with time watching TV or playing video games at home can add up to a lot of hours in front of a screen.

I think the key in this is moderation.  The music teacher shouldn't avoid using technology in her classroom because other teachers use it more, but I think it's admirable that she is mindful of her tech use.  This teacher prefers to focus on student demonstration, book reading, music listening and dancing or instruments.  

When I jump into my classroom, I want to use the available technology, but I also want to remember that sometimes, non-electronic means are best.

Reflection #11

Film Studies...helpful or harmful?  I remember throughout my schooling when a teacher would have us watch a science video.  We didn't have to take notes, there would be no questions or quiz, and absolutely no retention or learning took place.  I distinctly remember doodling or writing notes to my friends while "watching" these movies.  The teacher would often be feverishly grading papers or doing some type of work while the movie played.  

On the other hand, however, in high school, one English teacher would play movies (actual Hollywood movies, not documentaries) with the intent that we learn.  The movies would reinforce a particular concept (Joseph Campbell's hero cycle, for example) which would then need to be referenced in a paper, and would more often that not, show up on a quiz, and eventually, a test.  

The difference between the two scenarios is this: purpose.  Sure, the science video probably corresponded to the current classroom study, but the purpose was to give the teacher a bit of extra work time.  It's quite possible (probable) that the English teacher caught up on work while we watched movies, but the movies weren't shown so he could work...see the difference?  

Movies aren't bad - but it's important to handle them properly and notice your motives in showing the movie.

Post #14

I read this article by Brad Flickinger.  Flickinger briefly reviews the history of computers - how they began as a million-dollar machine, housed only in the greatest schools, but then became common-place in the home.  Now, thanks to technology like the iPod touch, which allows internet access, students have computers in the palm of their hands, and technology will only continue to become more sophisticated from here.  Flickinger sees school technology becoming dominated by personal devises like this. 

Reflection #10

With such an emphasis on using technology in the classroom, I began to wonder: why aren't all standardized tests administered via computer?  It seems like it would be a simpler process.  Scores would be submitted instantly rather than being read by a computer.  Results could be issued earlier which might expedite funding decisions and some types of student placement.  On top of all that, using computers for standardized testing would promote and emphasize the use of technology in the classroom.

I have a couple of ideas as to why computers aren't used in this way.  First, perhaps it's more complicated than I realize to submit, graph, and sort scores.  I'll be the first to admit I'm not familiar enough with computer systems to know such intricacies.  I think the bigger issue might be availability.  While a lot of schools have a computers available for all students, a lot of schools don't.  To further compound the issue, there's scheduling.  How do teachers and staff work a schedule to get all of the kids into the computer labs?  It's a daunting thought.

I'm sure some tests are done online, but I'm curious what you think - why aren't all standardized tests done online?

Reflection #9

I found an article just recently that discussed the integration of technology in the classroom.  One point it brought up (and the main point I focused on) was how the internet has opened up a world of research to students.  Before the internet could be accessed in each classroom, students would use the library as their only source for research.  While libraries are indeed a good thing, students run the risk of happening upon very outdated information.  The accessibility of the internet, however, has put some of the newest information literally at the students' fingertips.

As obvious of a concept as this may be, I hadn't given it much thought until reading this article.  I think I've completely taken the ease and availability of the internet for granted.  

One thing to remember (as a review): the internet is not fail-safe.  Accessible information isn't always good information.  I think moderation and integration between electronic and print information is key.