Streaming Videos

We learned about the use of streaming videos in the classroom. There are many website which offer videos, to teachers, about various subjects. When looking through the sites I found videos on the Civil War, Math, Science, Technology, English and a numerous amount of other subjects. These videos are very useful in the classroom becuase it engages student interest. Students learn better when they are more interested. More often than not students are more interested in watching a video than listening to their teacher speak. It is possible to find a video online for any subject, therefore the classroom experience will be more enjoyable for students.

Blogs

Blogs are very helpful in education. I just recently learned about their use in education this year in my Learning Through Technology class. Requiring students to maintain a blog and have a certain number of entries is a great way to check up that they are learning and understanding the material. Teachers require students to reflect on what they have learned, so they can assess what the student is actually learning and what they are getting out of the lessons. It is also helpful because when teaching about controversial topics the teacher can learn and understand the students viewpoint and how they feel about the subject. Blogs are very beneficial to use in the classroom for all of these reasons. From experience, as a student, blogs are enjoyable, not demanding, as many other forms of schoolwork are. Writing in my blog didnt seem as much of a task as it did an opportunity to express my own opinions and write my own thoughts down.

USB Flash Drives

When I came to college, I realized the importance of saving all of my work, papers, project, etc. Using a USB flash drive made this concept a lot easier for students. Flash drives are the equivalent of a floppy disk, except they hold over a hundred times more information in the palm of your hand. They are very convenient, about the size of a thumb. I find my flash drive very useful, using it almost every day. It makes saving my work, and bringing it into class much easier. I am able to share information from my laptop to my teachers computer, either in their office or the classroom. Many people use flash drives, business men, teachers, many types of workers, however I feel that student use is the most common. Almost all of my classmates and friends at college have a flash drive that they use on a daily basis. It is a simpler way to share information between classmates, group mates, etc. Personally, I like the idea of flash drives, I feel they are very beneficial for students to use, especially in college.

Online Grading

In my Foundations of Education class, I learned about an online grading system. I thought it was very interesting. A man came into my class to talk about the system and how it works. He said that the teacher puts the childrens grades in online, on the system, and also puts in the parents email address. If the parents ask, the teacher is able to email weekly assessments and grades to the parents, or they are able to email the parents if the students grades being to noticably drop, or behavior changes. The system automatically emails the parents in the case of a noticable drop in grades, because the parents should know about their childs progress. This is more beneficial than sending out weekly progress reports becuase it is much less time consuming. As with the assessement, if it takes a shorter amount of time, then it is able to be done more often. I think it is important that the parents be updated on their childs progress, especially in the case of special education. For children with special needs, there needs to be a big focus on the communication between the parents and the teacher. This is very important to the success of the child, becuase practices and issues at home often roll over into the classroom and vice versa. I feel that an online grading system makes it easier for the teacher to keep track of all of their students grades as well as stay in constant communication with the parents which is very important.

Internet in the Classroom

Recently my spanish teacher has introduced the use of the internet into our classroom. I think that this is a great idea. Our textbook has a website, on which they have voice recording and "lab manual" tasks in which we are able to hear spanish speaking voices and answer questions based on what we hear. I feel that it is very beneficial because instead of just reading and understanding, we are now able to hear and speak it as part of practice. Particularly when it comes to learning a new language, it is necessary to practice becuase the more you speak it and hear it, the more you learn and understand it. This is an example of integrating technology into the classroom and it has proven to be very beneificial.

Assessment

Recently, with the growing speed of technology, assessment of students is becoming easier and easier. Many teachers and schools have opted to use web-based assessments to assess the success of learning in each student. As I was reading an article online titled, "A Look at Web Based Assessments" I learned that many companies now are offering assessments online and they are becoming more and more popular. Some of the best assessment programs are easily adaptable to local curriculum and are focused on the recording and assessment of student behavior, rather than academic progress. The best of these allow teachers to develop their own tests or forms and usually include a databank of questions or other assessment tools. Most are aligned with various state and national standards. This article also gives links to web based assessment websites, which I found very helpful. I feel that these assessments are very beneficial becuase of the speed of them. Having a faster assessment system allows teachers to assess students educational growth that much more, giving them more insight into their education. Having the teachers assess the students every month, or every few weeks, instead of every year, or half year, is much more effective.

Portfolio

Creating a portfolio at the end of a semester, or year, is very beneficial. Portfolios give the teachers an idea of the success of the semester or year. They are able to view what the student learned and what the student still needs to work on in the coming year. Creating an online portfolio was interesting, and fun, yet very beneficial. This was required of us in my Learning Through Technology class. I felt that it helped me to sum up the semester. It helped me to put everything that I have learned this semester into one file. Throughout the rest of my college career, and even into my teaching career, I will be able to look back at my portfolio and view many important ideas. For example, I have included in my portfolio the New York State standards for teaching, as well as the ISTE standards for teaching. If I ever need to look back and view these standards, they are within easy access on my computer. I feel that creating a blog was more beneficial than taking a final exam because I was required to view and express my opinions on each topic covered in class this semester as well as include examples of my work done. It was a very rewarding opportunity to display my education and successes.

Multiple Intelligences

In our online class in Elluminate, our teacher introduced Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner says there are at least eight different and relatively independent types of intelligence: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalists. According to Gardner's theory, IQ tests cannot judge all students abilities to learn, and traditional academic tasks may not reflect true ability. Because students have different intelligences it is important to incorporate each, or at least a few, into lesson plans. For example, doing group work is effective, multimedia projects, assigning students group roles based on their type of intelligence. Technology allows us to determine which type of learner we are, and different ways in which to express our intelligences. Using technology in the classroom is beneficial, especially when it comes to students posessing different types of intelligences.

Direct vs. Indirect Instruction

Direct and indirect instruction are examples of two learning theories. Both theories stress different aspects of student learning. Direct instruction stresses individualized student work. Teachers who beleive in direct instruction tend to lecture students, and give them worksheets to do on their own. These teachers transmit a set of skills or knowledge to the student. They hand them the informtion that they need to know. Indirect instruction requires the students to generate their own knowledge. This view expresses that students gain knowledge through experiences and real-life situations. Many teachers beleiving in this theory propose "what if?" questions to their students to get them to think outside of the box. Non traditional methods of teaching are used with indirect instruction. More videos are shown, more technology is incorporated into the lesson plans. Indirect instruction stresses group work, and cooperative work, so that students can learn from eachother. Personally, I believe that indirect instruction is a more effective way to teach. Students learn a lot from eachother, and even more from experience. I feel that listening to a teacher speak about a subject is a very big waste of time, and that students actually participating in discussions, and seeing what they are learning about is more useful. When I become a teacher, my classroom will be based on indirect instruction because students will find it more interesting and I feel that student interest is the most important key to their success.

Second Life

In our Learning Through Technology class, our teacher introduced us to Second Life. Second Life is a social networking program in which each user creates a "second life" for themselves. There are different islands in which the user can explore and meet new people. Just like other social-working sites people become "friends" and can communicate through Second Life. It is rapidly becoming popular and people are investing a lot of time and effort into this program. People are encouraged, and allowed, to make money off of Second Life. It is possible to obtain a job, purchase items, and gamble all by entering your credit card number. While many people may see this as a great opportuinty to meet people and make money, and create a completely new life for themself, I feel that it is rather strange. Personally, I found Second Life complicated and confusing. Im sure with more practice and access to the program I would be more comfortable, but the idea of creating a whole new life for myself through a computer is not something I think that I would enjoy doing. Overall, being introduced to Second Life was a great opportunity to learn something new, and to learn about the lifestyles of other people, but I do not see myself going back to the site in the future.

Communication Technology

Technology is known for making our lives easier. One of the main ways it has made our lives easier is through communication. It had made communication between people a lot simpler and more convenient. In todays world it is possible to communicate with people all over the country and throughout the world in seconds. The use of cell phones allow us to call people no matter where they are. The use of the internet allows us to send messages and emails to people we would normally not stay in contact with. It is simple for people and less stressful to communicate. It also makes it easier for somepeople, such as the hearing impaired, to see and type to others, rather than struggling on the phone with hearing aids and such. The use of the internet through web cameras and other technology of the sort is useful especially for loved ones who are far away for long amounts of time. It allows them to not only talk to their family and friends but to see them as well. In todays world technology is also much cheaper than it was years ago, making it more available to others.

Virtual Classrooms

Recently my Learning Through Technology teacher introduced me to a virtual classroom. It was very interesting. I had never heard of such a thing before. Students in a class all log into the same program (elluminate) and are connected in a "classroom" online no matter where they are. It is a very interesting concept and is very convenient. Instead of walking to a classroom to meet, we were meeting with eachother from the comfort of our own rooms. The teacher was able to talk to us through a micrphone, and able to present a powerpoint presentation to us that he had prepared. It was a very rewarding experience and I am very glad that I was introduced to this. I feel it is beneficial and helpful to students. It is a perfect example of technology making our lives easier.

Special Education Classroom

Recently, I observed a speical education classroom. This was a requirement for my Exceptional Child psychology class. It was very interesing, I had never been in an environment like this before. The students were in second, third, and fourth grade and what really stood out to me was the use of computers in this classroom. When I arrived there the students were creating books about the Solar System. They were to write a page about each planet, have it proofread by an adult in the classroom and then type it in Microsoft Word and print it. I was only really introduced to computers in fifth grade, I felt that it was great for them to be introduced to the use of computers earlier in their life. The teacher explained to me that typing on the computers is a daily activity that the children participate in becuase it helps work on their fine motor skills. Many of these children had problems with their fine motor skills and their behavior. Working on the computers allowed them to work on their motor skills while being intrigued by the screen and very focused. Also later in the class, during "math time" the students used a program called Math Blaster to work on their addition, subtraction and multilipcation skills. Each level required higher knowledge of math to pass. The children really enjoyed this game and were learning a lot from it. I feel that the use of computers in elementary and special education classrooms is very beneficial in more ways than one. It helps the students focus, it helps them work on their motor skills and also other skills such as math. In this world of technology it is very valuable to be introduced to computers at such a young age. It will definatley help these children out in the long run.

"In My Language" Reflection

After watching this video my eyes have been opened. Personally, I do not know anyone and have never met anyone who is autistic. This video helped me understand the life of autistic people from a first person perspective which was very interesting. It is interesting to know the many different ways in which someone can communicate. Communication does not just take place through words and conversation, and just because someone is unable to speak does not mean that they are unable to communicate, or that they are not real. However, it is great that there is the technology to make it easier for the autistic to verbalize their thoughts and communicate verbally much easier. I think that all of the technology today has made their lives easier. My impression of autistic people has changed greatly. They are jsut as much alive as I am, they are just as communicative as I am, they are just different. Technology has changed the life of this woman profoundly. Technology has enabled her to communicate more easily, and in a way that more people understand. It enables her to "speak" and be understood by others listening to her. I feel that videos are a great way for children to learn and understand, as I have learned about the life of autistic people from this video. While I feel that they are a good source of information, I feel that youtube.com has too much inappropriate content on it for children to be using in school. I feel that teachers could use videos from the website, but not allow their students to access it personally in school.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are little pieces of technology that make a big impact on the lives of the people that use them (which is mostly everyone). Cell phones have become a necessity for many people throughout the world. It makes keeping in touch with family and friends, even business associates, much easier. Todays phones not only make phone calls, but store information, take pictures access the internet. Personally, I can't imagine living without a cell phone. One of the main reasons I like my cell phone is the safety factor. I like knowing that wherever I go, I am able to call someone for help if I need it. For esample, driving alone at night. If something happens to my car, I am able to call my parents right away for help, instead of being stranded alone on the side of the road in the dark. Cell phones have come a long way in recent years. They used to be very bulky, heavy, very expensive and some even required a base unit that had to be transported with the phone. They were more of a nuisance than helpful. Now, however, many can fit in the palm of your hand, and prices on phones have come down. Service reception has also improved. Finding a reliable service provider is no longer much of an issue. Cell phone reception has become reliable and of high quality due to advances in wireless technology. It is amazing to know of all the applications and accessories that come with cell phones. This is the reason that the prices of them vary so much. They can range from very inexpensive to over one thousand dollars. There are many options available. Some people just use their phones to make phone calls and send text messages, as I do. Some other people use their cell phones as a personal computer, storing information, important dates to remember, pictures, videos, and more. Over the past decade cell phone use has increased greatly and now, in 2007, have become very important in peoples lives. They have become almost a necessity to everyone, myself included. I use my cellphone throughout the entire day, many times. Granted, I just use it to text message and call my family and friends, it is used very often. It is strange, to me, to imagine life without a cell phone because of the time during which I have grown up.

Technology on Campus

As I sit at my desk in my dorm room I am surrounded by pieces of technology that have come a long way in recent years. My dorm room now, in the twenty first century, is very different than the rooms that my parents stayed in when they were in college in the 1960s. On my desk is my laptop computer, my cell phone, and my ipod speakers. Behind my desk is my television and dvd player. As my mom explained to me, I am very privilaged to grow up with all of this technology. She told me that when she was in college the only form of communication that she had was by a single telephone in the hallway of her dorm. I, however, have a phone in my room, a cell phone, email and instant messanger. I am very grateful to have grown up with all of this technology and definatley do not take it for granted. I realize how difficult it must have been to stay in contact with family and friends from home without any of these forms of communication. This technology is not only present in my dorm room, but also in the classrooms and everywhere around campus. In 2006, Forbes Magazine ran an article titled, "Dorm Rooms: 2006 vs. 1976" and it explained how technology has been integrated into college life. It describes the accounts professors posting assignments online, emailing their students their grades, and downloading class notes to websites. This is reality now. Going to class, you see students taking notes on their computers, not writing them out, using search engines to investigate things that they dont understand and sending instant messages to eachother when the class gets boring. The end of the article states that experts are in constant disagreement over whether or not all of this technology improves the quality of the students education or whether it distracts them. The conclusion they came to was the obvious conclusion that the college world is a very different place from what it was 30 years ago. I feel that the technology is useful in improving student learning. Interacting, not only taking notes, is an important part of learning. This is more of a direct instruction method, in which students interact and do groupwork to learn, rather than an indirect instruction method in which students individually learn exactly what the teacher tells them and makes them copy down. Overall, I am very grateful for all of the technology that I am surrounded by in my dorm room and classroom.