Blog # 4

I was very happy about how well our Integrated Technology unit went over with the class.  I think Ashley and I used technology in a very appropriate and easy to follow manner.  Our class WiKi contained everything that was needed to do the tasks and answer the questions that were assigned.  The links were all appropriately placed and in functional working order.  I don’t think technology was used for the sake of technology at any point of the unit.  I do think technology was used to enhance the unit and presented in a way to maximize time and information to do the tasks at hand and to make learning fun and easy and not frustrating or time consuming.

I think the Power Point allowed Ashley and me to present a well constructed overview of the unit, and at the same time present important information on the background of the artist and the movement.

The E-Sheet, WebQuest, Corkboard and survey, in my opinion, were very well organized and easy to work with.  All the information was there that was needed to complete all of the tasks.  This made the unit fun and interesting.  Everything flowed to help the creative process.

I think our biggest problem with the presentation was trying to fit everything into the twenty minute time slot.

Blog # 3

Blog #3

Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year Olds

I think the findings in the reading would have surprised me if I didn’t work in a school where every student does have a cell phone and talks about the technology they use everyday.  I was surprised about the numbers (hour and a half) associated with texting.  I thought it would be higher.  I also thought the average time playing video games (about two hours) would be higher.  My students talk continuously about playing video games.  They talk about being up until 4:00 a.m. playing games, and some of these games they play with other people online.  I am often asked if I want to play online with them or what games I play.  When I answer that I don’t play video games they look at me like I am crazy.

I think students spend too much time texting and playing games.  What about playing outside and live social interaction?  I think social interaction is going to be a big problem for them at some point.

I don’t think it’s all bad.  The use of technology by students helps them feel comfortable with it, and will help them, if used appropriately, with school work and in the workforce.

As far as technology in my teaching goes I would use technology where technology is beneficial to students, and not just for the sake of using technology.  I will have to be aware of the technology that exists in order to make educated decisions about its use, and also to help combat cheating, cyber bullying and whatever new issues come up with technology.

Over all, I think technology, when used in moderation and used appropriately, is a good tool for everyone.

Blog #2

Blog #2

I am very impressed by Todd Oppenheimer’s The Flickering Mind.  He has a critical view about technology.  Oppenheimer does not think technology is the answer to all of our problems.  I liked his example of the use of film in the early 1900’s.  Thomas Edison stated “I believe that the motion picture is destined to revolutionize our educational system, and that in a few years it will supplant largely, if not entirely the use of text books.”  This did not happen.  Oppenheimer paints a realistic view about technology, a critical one, but realistic especially if you do consider history and technology predictions.  He also says we must be careful about how we use technology.

Tectonic takes a stance on appropriatness of technology and how it is being used.  I like the quote “we expose fourth graders to enabling stories like Charlottes Web and reserve darker works like Kafkas The Trial for a Much Later Time.  Technology should not replace hands on lessons, physically engaging activities and face to face language experience but enhance them.

Nets-s seems to be the most accepting of technology in a student’s education.  It gives a guide to using technology appropriately and not just technology for the sake of technology.  Students are still encouraged to interact and collaborate with their peers.

I believe that all three sources have a common theme, which in one word would be appropriateness.  Technology should be used appropriately, not just technology for the sake of technology, but to enhance education.  Technology should not dominate learning, but make it better.  Students need to know how to use a dictionary in order not to use a dictionary. 

TechBlog2

educaion philosophy technology

My education philosophy is closest to progressivism. I believe in learning by doing, hands on learning. Today technology is in every aspect of our lives and continually changing. My Space to Facebook, I-phone 1 to I-phone 4, VHS to DVD to Blue Ray. If you stop to think about it, it is incredible. Blockbuster is gone, and you can go to your computer to rent a movie. Driving around from store to store can be done in the comfort of your living room. If you would have told me ten years ago that this was going to happen I would have told you that you were crazy. If you can’t keep up, you will be left out, and it is important for students to not only keep up, but to hopefully surpass.

Integrating technology in the classroom will also help students feel confident to use the technology in their lives. A lot of people are afraid of technology because it is an unknown to them. They avoid it when it could actually help them and save time and money. By teaching students to use current technology they will become more comfortable with it and seek it out to help them in their studies and daily lives. I think technology is the future, and we need to teach the future.