Reflecting on what I know

Chapter 6

1. Now that I have access to the web, how can I use it effectively? I believe that the Internet can be used most effectively by allowing it to engage and provoke students learning. I believe students can collaborate ideas and gain ideas from the Internet. As teachers we have to make sure that it's use is for educational purposes only and not for mindless activities. 
2. How do I manage students' use of the web in my class? I believe that a classroom policy has to be in play in order to manage the use of the web in a class. Classroom management has a lot to do with how well the use of the Internet in the classroom may go. Students can work in small groups where they work together, the teachers desk should be placed in the back of the class to monitor, or place in a u shape where the teacher is able to walk around and monitor progress. 
3. Which features of the Web do I use? The features that I would use most would be search engines and google docs. Search engines would allow for my students to do research in the classroom. Google docs could allow the students to work on a collaborative project together in or out of the classroom. 

Reflecting on what I know

Chapter 4

1. There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lesson? Before implementing my lessons as a teacher I must assure that I am following a well thought out integration plan. As an effective teacher I will follow the NTeQ lesson plan. As a 21st century teacher it will be up to me to make sure that I am up to date on the recent trends in technology in order to best present those to my students. 
2. I understand why students should use educational software and the Internet, but why should my fourth-grade students learn to use spreadsheet, database, or video editing software? Students are constantly learning and technology is constantly improving. It is important for students to learn because they will be able to use the different types of technology. These types of programs can be used in many different subject areas. 
3. How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests? Students can use different types of software to improve their scores by opening their eyes to new ideas and ways to learn. It will allow them to gain more information that they may not be able to search for elsewhere. 

The Reflective Teacher

September 17, 2012
These are my reflections from the questions listed that we were to complete for The Reflective Teacher article.

1. How did it feel completing a group project, remotely?  What was challenging, what was fun, what was your overall experience? 

Completing a group project from a remote location was very different for the most part. It was challenging but fun all together. I really enjoyed the project being on Google Docs. I have used Google Docs before and it is a great way for people to work together, especially for a group project that does not meet face to face. The most challenging part I believe was communication. It was hard to communicate with each other about who was doing what, especially on the spreadsheet and presentation. It felt more of like go in, do your part, and when its due make sure its complete.

2. How do you feel about the finished project? 

Overall, I believe the project turned out great. I believe our group pulled together, even without as much communication as I thought it would take, and finished the project well. I enjoyed being able to go back in and see the progress of fellow students over the course of the week. I feel that the project came together nicely.

3. How can you use projects such as this in your specific teaching area?  What would it be like for your students, even ones in the same class? Can you see how you could also connect your students with students in other parts of the state, country, world?

In my specific teaching area which is elementary education, I believe this could be used for students. I can see it being integrated in different age groups in a variety of different ways. I could see teachers using it amongst each other to share ideas, especially in younger classrooms. I could also see students being able to use it in older classes, such as 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders. Students could work in groups and be able to work on their group work at different times. I think it would be a good lesson that integrates technology that is being used in the world around us today. I can easily see how a project like this one can connect students in other locations. It especially helped me to connect with my fellow classmates in my group. I was able to see how we all worked together, although communication was scarce, and pulled through in the end to create a finished project. 

Reflecting on What I Know, Chapter 1 & 3

Chapter 1 

<1. Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?

Inquiry based learning is a learning style that allows for the teacher to pose a question and the students to explore and inquire about what they would like to know or think they know. I believe that this would be a beneficial way to use classroom computers as a tool because it would allow the students to use them to help guide them to the answers to the questions. This style of learning will also help the students to foster independence.
2. Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?

Drill and practice software can still be used in classrooms today. The textbook describes it on page 114 by saying it is, “designed to reinforce student learning of basic skills with applications and uses found most often in language arts and mathematics.” Software today is more up to date with colors and graphics and also gives immediate feedback on programs.

    3. Won’t I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?

I believe that a great deal of time is needed in order to develop well thought out units of instruction. It is important to spend the appropriate amount of time to make sure that a unit is beneficial to a student. As a teacher the unit will have to be well planned and tested to make sure that it will be appropriate and accurate for the students learning.
 

4. Won’t every student need a computer to use it as a tool?

No, I do not believe that every student will need a computer to use it as a tool. If there is only one or a few computers present in a classroom that is okay. It will allow for the students to rotate and use at different times. It also can allow for students to work together on them and to also learn from each other as they explore. 

Chapter 3 

1.Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?

It is important to learn about different technology tools around us because children are growing up in a changing world. It often times seems like the children around us know more about up to date technology than we do. As teachers it is important for us to know about the current technology because we should be knowledgeable in their functioning in order to use them in our classrooms and show our students how they work.

2. Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?

I believe that is important for teachers to use both because it will allow for demonstration to the students that they are able to use both. It is also a matter of how portable one is over another. Teachers can take mobile devices with them around campus and use them to capture students learning outside of the classroom environment. I believe it is important for students to know that there are different types of technology to be used and the different ways that they function.

3. How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?

I believe that the cost can be justified because of the limitless amounts of information that digital devices can be provided to our students. Technology in the 21^st century is used to deliver great amounts of instruction to the students. In this growing society it is important for our schools to stay up to date on the products that they use in the schools. The technology that they use in the classroom will also be used one day to help prepare them for the future.

Lowther, D. L., Morrison, G. R. (2010). Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century. Boston, MA:Pearson Education, Inc.