Sunday, February 5, 2012
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
10 Things That Make Me Go "Hmmm" About Technology
So this week I have 10 things that really make me go "hmm"when it comes to technology.
1. Why do many educators use technology around the edge of their classrooms instead of in
the core instruction? Lots of teachers use computer time as a reward or to take a test. If we put this in our core instruction wouldn't it reinforce positive ways to use technology and education?
2. Children safety using technology. We have many things in place to help insure children's safety but it's always important to keep saying "hmm, is there anything else I can do."
3. ACOT project (Apple Classroom Of Tomorrow) I find this interesting because of the 5 stages of instructional evolution. These stages showed me where an educator might be in their "comfort zone" when it comes to technology. Very interesting article:
4. Changing Technology How do I keep up with something that changes so quickly? I have found that taking a little at a time is the best. Similar to new approaches in teaching, I pick a few projects and see them through. I also use resources such as blogs, instructional magazines/websites and Edmodo.
5. How does Cloud Computing fit into educational technology? What things are appropriate for educational use?
6. Should technology standards change as quickly as technology? It seems standards change by years but technology changes by days.
7. How do you supply students with technology access after they leave school? Do you check out the items like books? How would this work without chaos?
8. Too much technology? Is this possible? I know it really depends on the person but it really makes me think.
9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-H-p5dA5N4&feature=player_profilepage The information about a spicy burrito reached so many quickly. Can this be our future in education?
10. High cost of technology for education. How do we find the funds for this when so many basic programs are being cut? I know companys give "educator discounts" but how much of it is really discounted?
These 10 things are random but made me go "hmm" this week. Next week I'm sure I'll find some new ones. I wish I could be as creative as David Letterman and create a Top 10 List. Maybe next time!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Instructional Design
"Education has missed the boat, with respect to instructional design. Teachers come up with lesson plans on the fly, with little thought to why they are presenting information or even who their audience is. Teacher training, at the university level and during Professional development, needs to focus on helping teachers become comfortable with instructional design principles."
I don't know if I really agree with this statement. I know lots of teachers that work hard on their lessons to create something that fits their students’ needs and best learning practices.
Our administration has given us opportunities to create curriculum that flows and leads from one grade to the next.
Teachers then use the objectives in their lessons. Many post the current teaching objectives in the classroom while teaching. This not only reminds the teacher to share the objectives with the students before every lesson but it allows visitors in the classroom to see what the educator is teaching that day.
MTSS or RTI seems to also be a big part of the education structure today. Teachers are able to create lessons that are specific to a certain groups needs.
The new CORE standards will also allow teachers across the country to focus on specific objectives that all teachers in those specific grades will be using in their lessons.
With these things in mind, I can't imagine any teacher just coming up with lessons "on the fly."
I do agree that professional development opportunities should continue to help teachers improve but the most important thing teachers need is time. Time to collect data, time to collaborate about the data and then time to come up with ideas educators can use to help improve their data.
If teachers have these opportunities then I think we could see more teachers creating lessons that are appropriate for their audience and presenting lessons that attract their audience’s attention.
I don't know if I really agree with this statement. I know lots of teachers that work hard on their lessons to create something that fits their students’ needs and best learning practices.
Our administration has given us opportunities to create curriculum that flows and leads from one grade to the next.
Teachers then use the objectives in their lessons. Many post the current teaching objectives in the classroom while teaching. This not only reminds the teacher to share the objectives with the students before every lesson but it allows visitors in the classroom to see what the educator is teaching that day.
MTSS or RTI seems to also be a big part of the education structure today. Teachers are able to create lessons that are specific to a certain groups needs.
The new CORE standards will also allow teachers across the country to focus on specific objectives that all teachers in those specific grades will be using in their lessons.
With these things in mind, I can't imagine any teacher just coming up with lessons "on the fly."
I do agree that professional development opportunities should continue to help teachers improve but the most important thing teachers need is time. Time to collect data, time to collaborate about the data and then time to come up with ideas educators can use to help improve their data.
If teachers have these opportunities then I think we could see more teachers creating lessons that are appropriate for their audience and presenting lessons that attract their audience’s attention.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Week #2 What is Educational Technology?
I believe Educational Technology represents many things. As we created our Mind Map, it made me think of the 3 things I feel represents Educational Techonology to me.
1. Facilitates learning
2. Enhances instruction
3. Provides a safe, welcoming environment that learners can feel comfortable working in.
It is very hard for educators to find safe learning environments that bring about learning and enhance the experiences of their learners. This is really an important part of teaching and Educational Techonology has been helping educators for years. Even if you think about simple items such as the calculator and projector. Now educators can bring real-life expereiences into the classroom like the item I have linked. No matter the age, students around the world are experiencing these situations. My link shows a kindergarten class using alphabet cards that come to life in the classroom. Amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx4_d9pK4ZY&feature=player_embedded#!
Anyone can become a learner through educational technology not just students. Educators fall under this umbrella because the high tech world moves and changes so quickly. It just blows my mind how many opportunities I have had in the last few years to learn so much in Educational Techonology and how it has improved my choices as a teacher.
Reading a few articles opened my mind to just how amazing this field is and what a variety of opportunities it can provide. The components below explore so many areas of Educational Techonology I honestly had never thought about.
1. Facilitates learning
2. Enhances instruction
3. Provides a safe, welcoming environment that learners can feel comfortable working in.
It is very hard for educators to find safe learning environments that bring about learning and enhance the experiences of their learners. This is really an important part of teaching and Educational Techonology has been helping educators for years. Even if you think about simple items such as the calculator and projector. Now educators can bring real-life expereiences into the classroom like the item I have linked. No matter the age, students around the world are experiencing these situations. My link shows a kindergarten class using alphabet cards that come to life in the classroom. Amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx4_d9pK4ZY&feature=player_embedded#!
Anyone can become a learner through educational technology not just students. Educators fall under this umbrella because the high tech world moves and changes so quickly. It just blows my mind how many opportunities I have had in the last few years to learn so much in Educational Techonology and how it has improved my choices as a teacher.
Reading a few articles opened my mind to just how amazing this field is and what a variety of opportunities it can provide. The components below explore so many areas of Educational Techonology I honestly had never thought about.
Design, Development, Utilization/Implementation, Management, Evaluation, Analysis
I really look forward to learning more about these categories and sharing them here soon!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Back To School
Well, it's been a full week of classes and time has gone by so quickly! I can't wait to learn and share all the great things this semester has to offer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)