Chapter 3 Digital Tools in Today's Classrooms

Reflecting on What I Know

#1 Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
It is always important for teachers to stay updated with the ever-changing technologies that are available for their classroom.  Technology is constantly in a state of evolving, and teachers need to understand basic uses for tools in their individual classroom in order to use the newer types of tools as assets for student learning.  Knowledge is powerful regardless of how it is acquired.  Teachers can familiarize themselves with tools that are available to determine what can work best for their group of students.    

#2 Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?
As discussed in our textbook, desktops work well for group use and are easily replaced and upgraded; however, they are stationary and take up muched needed work space (p. 67).  The International Society for Technology Education supports the utilizing mobile devices within the classroom (p. 59).  Mobile devices such as graphing calculators are extremely useful in teaching higher math courses by allowing students to solve math problems, create tables, and plot graphs (p. 72).  Students can work at their own pace with guided help by their teacher or peers.  Digital media players and recorders can be very helpful for students in reviewing the lesson, to practice oral speeches, and transfer and share files with others (p. 68, 69).  Mobile devices can be used to address educational barriors for students with special needs which helpful in inclusion classrooms.

#3 How can he cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are limited in number and scope?
The purchasing of mobile devices can be justified by observing student performance in the classroom and results of required assessments.  Technology is used all around us, therefore school systems should embrace the learning opportuities that are available by intergrating digital devices into the classrooms.  From a financial standpoint it can be costly, but devices can be purchased in chuncks.  At the school where I work, our principal shared that we would be receiving laptops that will be housed in a mobile cart for teachers to check out for their classrooms.  Teachers were very happy to recieve this news.

Reference:  Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom 4th edition; Gary R. Morrison & Deborah L. Lowther

Chapter 1 Rethinking Computers and Instruction

Reflecting on What I Know

# Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?
Because the goal of educators is to engage students in the learning process, various types of learning approaches should be used.  In inquiry-based learning, a teacher's role is to facilitate and provide information to the students (p. 12).  Problem-based learning and project-based learning approaches discussed in out textbook offer other means of engaging students in their learning (p. 13).  Learning approaches need to be flexible to meet the needs of all the students especially when teaching students with special needs.  When I think about different learning approaches, it reminds of a map.  There are many roads that lead to your destination, which in this case is learning.

# Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?
Tutorials and drill-and-practice software can be used successfully along with other types of software programs to assist students in learning classroom objectives.

# Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?
Teachers spend a great amount of time in preparation.  Initially, it does take to time to develop something new and different other than what has been used previously.  After new units have been developed and used, teachers can make adjusts or additions as needed to accomadate the needs of the current students.  This can ultimately be time saving for teachers.

# Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?
While it would be ideal if every student had a computer for their own use, students can be assigned to groups with each studnet being responsible for specific components of the assignment. This type of learning builds social skills and peer learning.

Reference:  Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom 4th Edition; Gary R. Morrison and Deborah L. Lowther
                  

Introduction

Hello Everyone!  My name is Susan Cooper.  This is my first blog and I look forward to engaging in blogging with all of you!  I hope to learn a lot as we go on this journey together.