Assistive technology really opened my eyes. If someone asked me before last week's lesson, "what is technology?" I probably would have told them that it is anything electronically operated that was invented/created after the 1940's/1950's. I came to learn that anything created to assist learning and functioning (even if it is not electronically operated) is considered technology. Therefore, technology has been around for much longer than I thought. We also received some very useful links in class to websites that provide assistive technology.
The group video share in class today was very effective in that the class was able to have an open discussion from each group to the rest of the class. This not only helps us share ideas, but it helps us practice speaking in front of a class.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Chapter 8 & 9 Reflection
Chapter 8 discusses academic internet communities through the means of online discussions and blog posts. Online communities have benefits such as creating an interactive experience that transcends the classroom and helps students who are shy to become more vocal in discussions. Which is more effective, online or in person communities?
Internet communities also help support students who have questions. Teachers become more available because once class is out, students still have the option of contacting them virtually. This especially helps span weekends. The time does not feel as wasted. Would you mind communication with your students over the internet on weekends?
Chapter 9 discussed visual media and PowerPoints. One of my professors uses PowerPoint presentations for every class and interjects with slides solely comprised of comics related to the topic at hand. This method gives us visuals as well as keeps us engaged. How do you feel about teachers using PowerPoints to teach lessons?
Internet communities also help support students who have questions. Teachers become more available because once class is out, students still have the option of contacting them virtually. This especially helps span weekends. The time does not feel as wasted. Would you mind communication with your students over the internet on weekends?
Chapter 9 discussed visual media and PowerPoints. One of my professors uses PowerPoint presentations for every class and interjects with slides solely comprised of comics related to the topic at hand. This method gives us visuals as well as keeps us engaged. How do you feel about teachers using PowerPoints to teach lessons?
Chapter 7 Reflection
Chapter 7 had a partial focus on software which was interesting. I always knew what software was since my dad got me started on the computer as a child. However, it transcends just computer games and the like. Software can be used beyond simple enjoyment and rote memorization. Through educational games and tools, students subconsciously gain the skills necessary for interacting with others in society, keeping their minds awake and aware, effective study skills, researching skills, etc. Are you for or against using games in the classroom?
Computers also offer us a chance to explore various virtual worlds. There are even some classes that interact solely through virtual avatars. Sometimes in these cases, students feel more comfortable asking questions of the teacher. However, is there something different about "in person" interactions? Do you feel that virtual classrooms are missing something that regular classrooms have?
Is it possible for software to make students better inventors?
Computers also offer us a chance to explore various virtual worlds. There are even some classes that interact solely through virtual avatars. Sometimes in these cases, students feel more comfortable asking questions of the teacher. However, is there something different about "in person" interactions? Do you feel that virtual classrooms are missing something that regular classrooms have?
Is it possible for software to make students better inventors?
Chapters 4 & 6 Reflection
Chapter 4 was about bringing technology into the classroom in a fun and effective way. This interested me because especially during student teaching, I was fascinated by the children's enthusiasm about technology when it was incorporated in the correct way. Once, when I taught them a history lesson, we used brainpop.com to watch a video on the topic. Their eyes lit up because it put them in the time period and made them feel like they were actually a part of history. Following the video (which I played on the SmartBoard), there was a quiz to test the knowledge the students gained. One by one, I allowed them to come up to the SmartBoard to press the correct answer. They were so enthusiastic! Would you use a SmartBoard to have your class take a quiz together?
Sometimes when we attempt to integrate technology, we can have technical difficulties or trouble getting accustomed to the actual technology. This can most times be prevented if we rehearse our lessons. Do you think this is sufficient for avoiding catastrophes?
One important thing to takeaway from this chapter is that technology is not limited to electronically operated devices. Items such as wheelchairs are considered technology as well. How do you feel about these things being considered technology? Do you agree or disagree?
Chapter 6 included information on bookmarking. My mom and I love bookmarking webpages and visiting them later and at my job (in a high school), we work in a classroom where students can come to get tutoring or prepare for college. On the classroom's computers, we bookmark and homepage websites such as khanacademy.org, careerbuilder.com, scholarships4students.com, mathtv.com, collegeboard.com, etc. This provides easy access and the students and staff do not have to memorize our resources.
Sometimes when we attempt to integrate technology, we can have technical difficulties or trouble getting accustomed to the actual technology. This can most times be prevented if we rehearse our lessons. Do you think this is sufficient for avoiding catastrophes?
One important thing to takeaway from this chapter is that technology is not limited to electronically operated devices. Items such as wheelchairs are considered technology as well. How do you feel about these things being considered technology? Do you agree or disagree?
Chapter 6 included information on bookmarking. My mom and I love bookmarking webpages and visiting them later and at my job (in a high school), we work in a classroom where students can come to get tutoring or prepare for college. On the classroom's computers, we bookmark and homepage websites such as khanacademy.org, careerbuilder.com, scholarships4students.com, mathtv.com, collegeboard.com, etc. This provides easy access and the students and staff do not have to memorize our resources.
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