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  While libraries are indeed a good thing, students run the risk of happening upon very outdated information.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.

Reflection #8

The point of this class is to think about how to integrate technology into our future classrooms.  I agree that technology is quite useful and beneficial, especially among our "Digital Native" students who understand and relate to technological methods well.  However, what about the classes that do not utilize technology?  Is the lack of technology in these classes useful and beneficial as well?

For example, in choir a couple days ago, I realized that we use essentially no technology besides sheet music and a piano.  There are no CD players, no microphones and no other electronic devises.   I found this lack of technology to be rather refreshing, and began to wonder - is it just as important to take a break from technology as it is to use it?  

Audio books are a great tool, but reading aloud to your students is important.  Computer games are a great tool to use "free time" and reinforce learning, but what about playing physical games as well?  I think the key is moderation.  The thoughtful use of technology will be more beneficial in the long run.

Week #13

Between Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, I use Word the most.  I do, however, have a need to use the other two programs on occasion.  Here are the main features I use for each.

Word

• Basic word processing
• Spelling/grammar check
• Thesaurus
• Tables/charts
• Formatting tools

Excel

• Sort features
• Grids
• List techniques

Powerpoint

• Document templates
• Color scheme palates
• Slide transitions

Project ideas

Word

1. Type a story they had prewritten
2. Revise sentences using tools on Word
3. Create a table to organize their task list etc

Excel

1. Alphabetize a list they type using the feature on Excel
2. Create a chart of their grades
3. Create a chart of pages read per day

Powerpoint

1. Design a slideshow of photos using a certain number of transitions and slides
2. Create a slide template to use in a report of some type
3. Create a slideshow with graphs or tables of collected data

Post #12

I read the article "Using Games to Enhance Student Achievement" by Robert Marzano.   This article discussed the benefits of using games in the classroom, specifically the gains in student achievement and the key elements that must occur in order for classroom games to be successful.  Marzano emphasized four main points: 

#1. Use Inconsequential competition - competition is good to keep students interested in the game, but it's most effective when the reward for winning is something small, like a coupon for juice from the vending machine rather than grade points.

#2. Target Essential Academic Content - games will have the most effect when they deal with relevant information.

#3. Debrief the Game - rather than just finishing the game and moving on to the next thing, talk to the students about what they struggled to answer - either let them ask questions, or prompt them based on your observations.

#4. Have Students Revise Their Notes - Give students a chance to review their notes to make corrections based on new understandings they may have come to during the game.

While this article may not have spoken directly to what we all may think of as "technology" in the classroom, I think the principles can be applied.  For example, if a teacher allows their students time to play games on the computer, the teacher could have some type of point system for competition, make sure the game is pertinent to the current study, require some type of student response, and have students review their notes after playing the game.  

From this article, I learned that technology, specifically games, do indeed benefit the students in a measurable way. 

Blog Comments - second half

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