Chapter 5 Reflection

Reading this chapter has made me take into perspective all of the unique learning avenues people can take during this day and age. With technology, learning has become available through diverse approaches that many people take advantage of. Home-schooling, workplace learning, distance education, adult education, learning centers, educational television and videos, computer-based learning software, technical certifications, and Internet cafes are the distinct ways individuals go about learning. These ways of learning include people of all ages that wish to continue lifelong learning. This chapter impacts my thinking of technology's role in learning because I have discovered and compared these learning techniques. There are upsides and downsides to each of these approaches to learning. It is still surprising to me that people are able to take classes online. I think that this strategy of learning is truly amazing when I think about everything that has to take place for distance education to be successful. As someone who used to work at a learning center, I do not see this style of learning taking over completely. I think the way it is used now (as a learning supplement and aid) works best.

In the classroom I might try to incorporate some of these methods to take on a different look for learning. Using educational television or videos will probably be incorporated into the classroom to help students understand topics further. I also plan to use computer based learning software in the classroom when students are participating in centers. Technology in the classroom will further the knowledge of my students.

Exit Slip 2/22

Today my group presented in class on Chapter 4. I learned more about presenting in front of a class and more of what I need to work on personally.

We learned some new programs to use while making our podcast that is due next week. We were also reminded of all requirements for the podcast. Audacity is recommended to use if you use a windows computer. Garageband is recommended for Mac users. Audacity is a very simple program to use. We learned a brief version of how to use audacity and it seems fairly easy to use. There are controls to use while creating the podcast at the top of the application. Audacity does not have any preloaded audio files.

Garageband is looks a little more appealing and has different quality than Audacity. Controls are at the bottom of the screen. Garageband seems like there are a lot more options to choose from while creating this podcast. I will be using this program!

Virtual field trips are interactive through the web. This is less money and easier to schedule. It cannot replace real life experiences. You can take your class to other places that they would not be able to go to. There is a lot more reading for the students during these field trips and this does not sound as attractive.

Virtual schooling is online whiteboards, phones, not being with a teacher face to face. This can be more cost effective for students when considering textbooks. Socialization can be affected because students are not surrounded by peers. There are limitations with age, especially the younger students. This could give students more flexibility with their time.

We also learned different ways to reword our technology inquiry questions. I still have to finalize my topic and will do this soon!

Book Chapter Presentation Reflection

In preparing for this presentation, my group met several times to brainstorm ideas for the best presentation we could develop. We viewed many different presentation programs that are available on the internet and finally narrowed it down to Prezi. We were already vaguely familiar with this program. We were considering different timeline programs but could not find one that suited our material. Since we had all read the chapter previous to meeting, we split up sections to become 'experts' when presenting. We also searched for a video to begin the presentation that related to the information in the chapter. At first, when we were creating the Prezi presentation, it was difficult to figure out. We watched some tutorials to become more experienced and this helped. We talked over what each group member would be saying during our presentation and did a practice run to make sure it ran smoothly. We put great effort into making sure this presentation was completed correctly.

When students present information to their peers, they are gaining experience talking in front of a large group. It is different than having the teacher stand in front of the class every day and also makes things more interesting. Peers enjoy listening to familiar voices and watching them present so they can gain ideas as well. Presenting information to the class also requires hard work in creating and putting together a final product. There is knowledge learned in several different areas. Presenting course content to peers will also help in the future when I am a teacher because it is giving me more experience talking to a whole group. The more practice that future teachers can get speaking publicly, the more comfortable they will become at this.

Chapter 4 Reflection

After reading this chapter, I have learned a lot about how education has progressed throughout different eras. During the first half of the 19th century there was a transformation from apprenticeship to universal schooling. Up until the 19th century, education was largely the responsibility of the parents and children were taught everything they needed to know by those that were close to them. American schooling resulted from a chain of events 1. Invention of the Printing Press 2. The Reformation 3. The American Revolution 4. The Industrial Revolution. The printing press led to a widespread development and a diffusion of knowledge. Education is centered on the major products of literate thought (reading, writing, history, mathematics and science).

The American Revolution brought about the need for an educated populace. A strong education system was required to help citizens understand and be able to defend their rights. The call for an educated populace formed the basis for the movement toward universal schooling. This was a shift that led to the belief that education occurs in the school not the home. Reading how far education has gone, really makes me take teaching into perspective. Education has changed so much up until where it is currently. I cannot even imagine learning without universal schooling.

This chapter did not focus much on technology, its main focus was on the changes throughout the educational system. I am sure throughout each era, there was specific technology used that was relevant to that time period. As a future teacher, I assume that we will still be in the Knowledge Revolution so technology will still be abundant and easily accessible. I will incorporate technology in my classroom so my students will be trained with necessary instruments to prepare them for future careers.

Exit Slip 2/15

Today we listened to the chapter 3 presentation on technology skepticism. This chapter looked at why schools have decided not to use technology and the reasons defending this. Some strategies to include technology without changing the traditions of teaching include: condemning, co-opting, and marginalizing. Computers are not able to teach functional skills such as handwriting, social skills, or critical thinking. The teacher is necessary in the classroom to teach important skills such as these. Assessment highly relies on technology these days in tests such as the GRE and other certification exams.

Glogster is a website to create presentations that resemble online scrapbooks. It may not appeal to some because it has a feminine vibe about it. Progress monitoring is important to include in classrooms of all ages. The group that presented did a good job with this aspect. Their presentation was not full of lots of words and this made the conversation continue throughout the class. They also were a good example to the class as they responded to our answers with their own opinions. For next week, when my group presents, we need to remember to introduce ourselves and conclude our presentation.

The contemporary issues presentations were very controversial. There were many different opinions and questions asked about the topics. We were introduced to podcasts for our future assignment. This is new to me because I have never listen to/watched a podcast.

Chapter 3 Reflection

After reading this chapter, I learned that the school system relies on current and consistent technologies. These can include tools such as: paper, pens, pencils, chalk, overhead projectors and loud-speaker systems. The main communication and record tool used in schools is paper. There are often barriers with technology in schools and these can include: cost and access, classroom management, challenges to instruction, authority and teaching and assessment. Skeptics argue that schools will not change in the face of new technologies.

The technology skeptics argument makes me put into perspective the disadvantages of technology in schools. I realize that the cost of having classrooms being so technologically advanced is just not realistic. There will always be malfunctions with technology as well so there will have to be someone trained to fix the problems (this costs money too). I think that classrooms should have at least one computer so students can become familiar with using them. It it not necessary to have multiple computers where distractions will arise and teachers become less in control over the students.

In my future classroom I will take into consideration the risks of having technology in the school and classroom and become more cautious when I plan to use it. I will also be somewhat of an advocate towards technology because I realize that it is necessary to introduce to students. Technology will eventually take over, it is just a matter of time. Students need to be aware of the rising need for use of technology and they will get opportunities to practice with it in the classroom.

Exit Slip 2/1

Today in class we learned some information about locating reliable websites. One important fact is that .org websites are not always reliable even though this has always been my previous thought. I learned a brand new website that will be helpful to me as both a teacher and a parent in the future. Google custom search is the title of a website where the search engine can be altered or fixed to only allow certain sites to be pulled up. This can be used to limit and filter out the bad websites when children are using the computer. Children do not even have to know this boundary is set while they are searching the web.
During the Chapter 2 presentation, they opened the lesson with a video which was enthralling to the rest of the class as listeners. We were very intrigued with what they were about to present to us. I learned it is good to start every presentation or lesson with a hook. We also learned what the expectations are for our Cool Tools presentation. I am excited to start this and learn more about my website.