The Technology Integration found in our textbook is very similar to the ASSURE model that we have discussed in class. However, they are just set up a little differently, but they essentially have all the same ideas. In the ASSURE model, each letter stands for a different component. Analyze learners. State objectives. Select instructional methods, media, and materials. Utilize media and materials. Require learner participation. Evaluate and revise. This model is an instuctional systems design process which was modifed for teacher to use in their classrooms. This process is meant to be used to design and develop the best learning environment for your students. Essentially it can be used to help create lesson plans and learn ways to improve your teaching.
The Technology Integration is also used in the same way. However, with this model there are 5 phases which help you to become the best teacher possible. Phase 1: Determin relative advantage. Phase 2: Decide on objective ans assessments. Phase 3: Design integration strategies. Phase 4: Prepare the instructional environment. Phase 5: Evaluate and revise. For the most part, this model basically takes into consideration the same things that the ASSURE model does. It helps you to think about your learners and focus on what you want them to learn. They you must find ways to use a variety of sources to teach the material. And lastly you want to evaluate yourself as a teacher and see how much your students actually learned. And if you need to you should revise your lesson at this point.
Overall, I think that I perfer the ASSURE model. It seems to be more organized and it's easier to understand what your lessons should have in them. It also is easier to follow.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Directed Instruction vs. Constructivist Models
Directed instructional model and the constructivist model are basically models of two completely different sides. In directed instruction, there is an emphasis on individual work and the goals and objectives are the same for each student. The teacher is the main focus of this model. They introduce all of the material and concepts to the students. There are a sequence of activities that are used to process, encode and store, and retrieve the information that is being presented. This directed approach is the traditional method of teaching which primarily consists of lectures and worksheets.
On the other hand, the constructivist model is quiet different. Instead of stressing individual work, it stresses group based work. Also the goals and objectives in the classroom are individualized, meaning they are different for each student. The students are the main focus of this model. They are encouraged to explore and learn things through experiences. They learn through problem oriented activities. The directed approach is very non-traditional. With this method, the goal is to promote student driven exploration and problem solving.
In my opinion, I feel that there needs to be a combination of these two methods to provide the best learning opportunities for your students. Sometimes the teacher has to stand up in front of the room and just lecture. If there is something that the teacher wants to teacher that could be potentially dangerous for the students to be hand on with, they need to just learn through lectures. However, I do believe that as a teacher I will probably use the constructivist method as much as possible. I feel that in most cases the students learn better when they can be involved in the learning process. Also I feel that it is important to encourage group work because I believe that by working together to solve problems my students will develop much better social skills.
On the other hand, the constructivist model is quiet different. Instead of stressing individual work, it stresses group based work. Also the goals and objectives in the classroom are individualized, meaning they are different for each student. The students are the main focus of this model. They are encouraged to explore and learn things through experiences. They learn through problem oriented activities. The directed approach is very non-traditional. With this method, the goal is to promote student driven exploration and problem solving.
In my opinion, I feel that there needs to be a combination of these two methods to provide the best learning opportunities for your students. Sometimes the teacher has to stand up in front of the room and just lecture. If there is something that the teacher wants to teacher that could be potentially dangerous for the students to be hand on with, they need to just learn through lectures. However, I do believe that as a teacher I will probably use the constructivist method as much as possible. I feel that in most cases the students learn better when they can be involved in the learning process. Also I feel that it is important to encourage group work because I believe that by working together to solve problems my students will develop much better social skills.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Dream Classroom
After I graduate, I hope to be teaching in a second grade classroom of about twenty students. In my opinion, second grade is a great level to teach. Students under than that need a lot of assistance in everything that they do. Also you have to teach all the basics. On the other hand, students in the upper grades aren't as excited to be in school. Second graders still are anxious to be in school and they are eager to learn new things. I love working with young children because they make everyday an adventure. I hope to integrate technology in any way possible. I think that it's important in this day and age that young people gain knowledge about the various technologies around them. However, I do realize that many schools cannot afford many of the new technologies so I will not have access to everything.
I also would like to be teaching in a school in the outskirts of Harrisburg. In these schools there will be higher levels of diversity than I'm used to which will be a great experience for me. I'm excited to make a difference in the lives of many of my students. Another reason why I would like to teach around Harrisburg is because I have lived in a small town all my life. I am ready to branch out and experience new things. (Also the pay is better!) :-)
Making the Case for Technology Integration
CARET questions that teachers can ask to determine if a technology based method has an impact on learning:
1. How can technology influence student academic performance?
2. How can technology develop higher order thinking and problem solving?
3. How can technology improve student motivation, attitude, and interest in learning?
4. How can technology help prepare students for the workforce?
5. How can technology address the needs of low performing, at risk, and students with disabilities?
Research Studies:
The first research that I found was how technology improved performance when the application provides opportunities for student collaboration. There was a study that had upper elementary grade students use a software collaboration tool called CSILE or Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment. This enables students to create and post text and graphics to ask questions, search for answers, and give feedback on other students’ responses. These students performed better on standardized tests in reading, language, and vocabulary. They also did better on measures of depth of understanding, multiple perspectives and independent thought than students who did not use the software.
The second research study that I found was about how technology needs can address the needs of low performing, at risk, and students with learning disabilities by using technology applications selected to address the unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses of the student. Anchored instruction using video discs to provide real world problem solutions enables students to notice critical features of problem situations and to increase their awareness of their own changes in perception and understanding as they view the situation from different points of view. There was also another study done where students used CBT or Computer-based technology. This can provide physically challenged students with opportunities to engage in learning activities that might otherwise not be possible. The study done in Australia concluded that CBT is an effective tool in teaching basic reading and math skills to special needs students. The use of CBT led to increasingly student centered classrooms, an increase in individualized learning programs, and an overall increase in student independence.
1. How can technology influence student academic performance?
2. How can technology develop higher order thinking and problem solving?
3. How can technology improve student motivation, attitude, and interest in learning?
4. How can technology help prepare students for the workforce?
5. How can technology address the needs of low performing, at risk, and students with disabilities?
Research Studies:
The first research that I found was how technology improved performance when the application provides opportunities for student collaboration. There was a study that had upper elementary grade students use a software collaboration tool called CSILE or Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment. This enables students to create and post text and graphics to ask questions, search for answers, and give feedback on other students’ responses. These students performed better on standardized tests in reading, language, and vocabulary. They also did better on measures of depth of understanding, multiple perspectives and independent thought than students who did not use the software.
The second research study that I found was about how technology needs can address the needs of low performing, at risk, and students with learning disabilities by using technology applications selected to address the unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses of the student. Anchored instruction using video discs to provide real world problem solutions enables students to notice critical features of problem situations and to increase their awareness of their own changes in perception and understanding as they view the situation from different points of view. There was also another study done where students used CBT or Computer-based technology. This can provide physically challenged students with opportunities to engage in learning activities that might otherwise not be possible. The study done in Australia concluded that CBT is an effective tool in teaching basic reading and math skills to special needs students. The use of CBT led to increasingly student centered classrooms, an increase in individualized learning programs, and an overall increase in student independence.
Web Enrichment Activities (Chapter 2)
1. Learning theory in technology-integrated lessons — Identify the learning theory addressed in a WebQuest. Locate a WebQuest at http://webquest.org/. Click on "Top," "Middling," or "New" and then view a WebQuest for a selected grade level and subject area. As you read the instructions and materials included in the WebQuest, make a list of five aspects of the WebQuest that are informed or supported by learning theory. Refer to Figures 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 in the textbook.
Answer: WebQuests seem to fall into the learning theory known as Systems Theory and Systematic Instructional Design. This theory states that learning occurs by using a system of instruction based on behaviorist, information-processing, and cognitive-behaviorist theories. Generally there are stated goals and objectives that going along with the task to asist with the learning process. The system approach fits with the WebQuests in many ways. The following is a list of five aspects of the WebQuest that are supported by the Systems Theory: Structured Instruction, Sequence of Information, Practice or Task, Assessment or Evaluation, and the Information is Fast and Accurate.
2. Assessment of learning with rubrics — To see an example of rubrics developed for a student project, read about Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson at http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites/hpli/Exhibits/1000734. Click on "The Lesson" to read the instructions to students, and click on "Assessment" to see the rubrics used by the students. Visit the Rubistar website at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php for templates used by teachers to create custom rubrics. Refer to Figure 2.7 in the textbook and discuss the model that best applies to Mrs. Gaines' lesson and assessment. List three reasons for selecting that model.
Answer: Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson was definitely an example of Constructivist Model. She took a common traditional story Beowulf and put a twist on her lesson by making her students turn it into a rap which is an extreme non-traditional type of lesson. Also at the beginning of her lesson, Mrs. Gaines made sure to review over the basic elements of Beowulf to make sure that the students understood the story correctly. Lastly by having the students make Beowulf into a rap, there is a great chance that the students will remember the events of the story more easily. All of these examples provide reasons as to why Mrs. Gaines lesson is an example of Constructivist Model.
3. Information literacy — The American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology have published the "Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" located at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf. Read the standards and indicators. Consider one standard and indicator, and think of an additional strategy that could be added to Figure 2.12 of the textbook to help students achieve the standard.
Answer: Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively. Indicator 1. Organizes information for practical application Indicator 2. Integrates new information into one’s own knowledge Indicator 3. Applies information in critical thinking and problem solving Indicator 4. Produces and communicates information and ideas in appropriate formats In order to allow students the opportunity to show their creativity, teachers should encourage doing research projects. Student should go and find the accurate information about their topic. Instead of having the students just write a traditional research paper, allow the students freedom. Let them show, you, the teacher what they are capable of. Allow them to have access to a variety of multimedia products to show off their creativity with. A problem with this would be the lack of the school limits on how much technology the students have access too. Also some students do not have as much creativity as others which could potentially present issues with grading and other aspects.
Answer: WebQuests seem to fall into the learning theory known as Systems Theory and Systematic Instructional Design. This theory states that learning occurs by using a system of instruction based on behaviorist, information-processing, and cognitive-behaviorist theories. Generally there are stated goals and objectives that going along with the task to asist with the learning process. The system approach fits with the WebQuests in many ways. The following is a list of five aspects of the WebQuest that are supported by the Systems Theory: Structured Instruction, Sequence of Information, Practice or Task, Assessment or Evaluation, and the Information is Fast and Accurate.
2. Assessment of learning with rubrics — To see an example of rubrics developed for a student project, read about Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson at http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites/hpli/Exhibits/1000734. Click on "The Lesson" to read the instructions to students, and click on "Assessment" to see the rubrics used by the students. Visit the Rubistar website at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php for templates used by teachers to create custom rubrics. Refer to Figure 2.7 in the textbook and discuss the model that best applies to Mrs. Gaines' lesson and assessment. List three reasons for selecting that model.
Answer: Mrs. Gaines' language arts lesson was definitely an example of Constructivist Model. She took a common traditional story Beowulf and put a twist on her lesson by making her students turn it into a rap which is an extreme non-traditional type of lesson. Also at the beginning of her lesson, Mrs. Gaines made sure to review over the basic elements of Beowulf to make sure that the students understood the story correctly. Lastly by having the students make Beowulf into a rap, there is a great chance that the students will remember the events of the story more easily. All of these examples provide reasons as to why Mrs. Gaines lesson is an example of Constructivist Model.
3. Information literacy — The American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology have published the "Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" located at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf. Read the standards and indicators. Consider one standard and indicator, and think of an additional strategy that could be added to Figure 2.12 of the textbook to help students achieve the standard.
Answer: Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively. Indicator 1. Organizes information for practical application Indicator 2. Integrates new information into one’s own knowledge Indicator 3. Applies information in critical thinking and problem solving Indicator 4. Produces and communicates information and ideas in appropriate formats In order to allow students the opportunity to show their creativity, teachers should encourage doing research projects. Student should go and find the accurate information about their topic. Instead of having the students just write a traditional research paper, allow the students freedom. Let them show, you, the teacher what they are capable of. Allow them to have access to a variety of multimedia products to show off their creativity with. A problem with this would be the lack of the school limits on how much technology the students have access too. Also some students do not have as much creativity as others which could potentially present issues with grading and other aspects.
Self Assessment Questions (Chapter 2)
1. Describe the relative advantage of using graphic tools to help students learn new concepts.
Answer: Graphic tools allow for the manipulation of images to illustrate documents and web pages. As a teacher, you can use these graphic tools to create pictures to add another dimension to the information being presented in a lesson. If the teacher has their own website for the class graphic tools can be used here also. Also, if the information being taught is new, it is often times very helpful to graphically organize it. This can be done in the form of charts, concept maps, etc.
2. In Phase 2 of the Technology Integration Planning Model (TIP), teachers focus on the outcomes expected as a result of integrating technology into instruction. List four methods teachers can use to assess the outcomes of the plan.
Answer: Four methods teachers can use to assess the outcomes of the plan include focusing on the results and not the processes, make statements observable and measurable, use written tests to asses skill achievement outcomes, and use evaluation criteria checklists to assess complex tasks or products.
3. Describe two advantages of required school and district policies such as policies regarding Internet use, legal and ethical use, and equity.
Answer: Congress passed the Children's Internet Protection Act to help schools protect children from internet materials which could be harmful to them. Many schools have children sign acceptable use policies that explain the risk involved in Internet use, outline proper internet behavior, and asks students if they agree to these policies. This was a very good idea because now students are better informed how to properly and safely use the internet. Policies have been made which make schools responsible for ensuring equitable access and use of technologies to all students especially those from low SES families, minorities, and students with disabilities. This is very important because technology continues to expand and become more important in society today and students should know how to use it.
Answer: Graphic tools allow for the manipulation of images to illustrate documents and web pages. As a teacher, you can use these graphic tools to create pictures to add another dimension to the information being presented in a lesson. If the teacher has their own website for the class graphic tools can be used here also. Also, if the information being taught is new, it is often times very helpful to graphically organize it. This can be done in the form of charts, concept maps, etc.
2. In Phase 2 of the Technology Integration Planning Model (TIP), teachers focus on the outcomes expected as a result of integrating technology into instruction. List four methods teachers can use to assess the outcomes of the plan.
Answer: Four methods teachers can use to assess the outcomes of the plan include focusing on the results and not the processes, make statements observable and measurable, use written tests to asses skill achievement outcomes, and use evaluation criteria checklists to assess complex tasks or products.
3. Describe two advantages of required school and district policies such as policies regarding Internet use, legal and ethical use, and equity.
Answer: Congress passed the Children's Internet Protection Act to help schools protect children from internet materials which could be harmful to them. Many schools have children sign acceptable use policies that explain the risk involved in Internet use, outline proper internet behavior, and asks students if they agree to these policies. This was a very good idea because now students are better informed how to properly and safely use the internet. Policies have been made which make schools responsible for ensuring equitable access and use of technologies to all students especially those from low SES families, minorities, and students with disabilities. This is very important because technology continues to expand and become more important in society today and students should know how to use it.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Chapter 1 Answers
1.
Name two advances or developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970s that you feel have had significant effects on education, and explain why these technological changes had such effects.
My Answer:
To begin with the computer has had a huge impact on the way teachers educate now. Computers allow teachers to use a variety of methods to convey informations to their students. This technology has really broaden the horizon of learning. Also with the use of computers people can connect throughout the entire world which is amazing.
The World Wide Web is one of the most powerful and significant developments towards education. At the students finger tips, they are able to access information that traditionally took a long time to recieve. The only downside to this development is the fact that now we are accustomed to a very fast paced lifestyle. Also it has created a society that doesn't really see the need to work for anything anymore.
2.
Discuss one emerging trend in technology and the effect it could have on classrooms and schools.
My Answer:
Distance learning is an emerging trend which is started to take off. With this technology, teachers are able to be in one location and teach many students at different locations through virtual systems. I do have some concerns with this method however. I really don't believe that students will be getting the attention that they need. Teachers who are not in the same room as the classes can't serve as a good instructor when he/she has many classes in different areas. It would be impossible to make sure that every person is understanding what is going on.
3.
Explain reasons for developing an electronic portfolio.
My Answer:
Electronic portfolios are a great way to showcase someones work. They also create an easy way to see areas in which students have improved over a period of time, or areas where they still need some assistance. The benefits of having an electronic portfolio over a traditional paper portfolio is that it can be quickly and easily revised and added to. Electronic portfolios provide a great way to analyze your students development and progress throughout the year.
Name two advances or developments that have occurred in technology since the 1970s that you feel have had significant effects on education, and explain why these technological changes had such effects.
My Answer:
To begin with the computer has had a huge impact on the way teachers educate now. Computers allow teachers to use a variety of methods to convey informations to their students. This technology has really broaden the horizon of learning. Also with the use of computers people can connect throughout the entire world which is amazing.
The World Wide Web is one of the most powerful and significant developments towards education. At the students finger tips, they are able to access information that traditionally took a long time to recieve. The only downside to this development is the fact that now we are accustomed to a very fast paced lifestyle. Also it has created a society that doesn't really see the need to work for anything anymore.
2.
Discuss one emerging trend in technology and the effect it could have on classrooms and schools.
My Answer:
Distance learning is an emerging trend which is started to take off. With this technology, teachers are able to be in one location and teach many students at different locations through virtual systems. I do have some concerns with this method however. I really don't believe that students will be getting the attention that they need. Teachers who are not in the same room as the classes can't serve as a good instructor when he/she has many classes in different areas. It would be impossible to make sure that every person is understanding what is going on.
3.
Explain reasons for developing an electronic portfolio.
My Answer:
Electronic portfolios are a great way to showcase someones work. They also create an easy way to see areas in which students have improved over a period of time, or areas where they still need some assistance. The benefits of having an electronic portfolio over a traditional paper portfolio is that it can be quickly and easily revised and added to. Electronic portfolios provide a great way to analyze your students development and progress throughout the year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)