Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 6: Reflection

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 6: Reflection

1)      Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?

Some examples are as follows:

Search Engine	Research, locate, identify, explore, inquiry
Email	Send, receive,
Web Calls/Conferencing	Communicate
School Websites	Communicate, Share, publicize
Wikis	Inform, collaborate, communicate, share, broadcast, publicize
Blogs	Inform, present, share thoughts, publish

 

2)      How do I manage students’ use of the Web in my class?

Here are some examples of classroom technology usage:

Google Research	Potential problem: Students are unaware of the importance of keywords.  They are not able to identify authoritative sources.  Students believe any information they find.	Solution: Show the following video--->   Identify the problem before they begin their search, maybe by giving them an anchor chart or rubric.
Youtube Videos	Potential problem: Students pull up inappropriate videos.	Solution: The teacher could provide a choice of videos on a topic rather than having them search on their own.  Have the students help them identify the key components they are looking for in a video.  Also, using YouTube through sites like Gaggle allows them to search videos, because it filters out the ones that are deemed inappropriate.
Flickr usage	Potential problem: Taking pictures and manipulating or posting them without consent.	Solution: All students should participate in a cyber safety course.  They should also have parental permission for internet usage and photo usage for educational purposes.  The teacher should also send home specific notifications, if they plan to use student photos.

 

3)      Which features of the Web do I use?

Search Engine	Students could use search engines to begin researching various content.  It will connect them with websites that can provide them with content information.
Email	Students could use email to send and receive assignments from their teacher. Teachers could also use it as a way to communicate classroom needs and share various resources for students and parents.
Web Calls/Conferencing	Students could use products, like FaceTime, to collaborate with students around the world.  Students could use this tool to collaborate and/or provide information.  It would be an awesome way to create digital pals.
School Websites	Students and parents can use the school’s website to find upcoming events, school information, and link them with online resources.
Wikis	Wikis can be used to present classroom projects.  They can also be used to provide resources for students and parents to use at home.
Blogs	Blogs are a great way for students to have digital discussions.  They provide an outlet to give and receive peer feedback.

 

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 4: Reflection

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 4: Reflection

1)      There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lessons?

Productivity Software	PowerPoint	Students could use PowerPoint to create a presentation about the content they are studying.  Fifth grade students, for example, could collaboratively present information about habitats and biomes.  These presentation could contain information and pictures.
Research Software	Google	Students could use Google in many ways.  It is currently the most used search engine by the students at my school.  Using keywords, they can begin their research from this site.
Communication Software	Email	Students can use email to submit and receive assignments.  They can also use many email sites, like gaggle.net, to store important projects.
Problem-Solving Software	Timez Attack	Students can use Timez Attack to help them visualize and memorize their multiplication tables.  It provides students with an engaging and fun way to approach math facts.
Educational Software	SuccessMaker	Students can use SuccessMaker as a differentiated tutor.  As a tutorial program, it help students progressively grow in the areas of Reading and Math.  It also provides the teacher with data on each participating student.

 

2)      I understand why students should use educational software and the internet, but why should my fourth grade student learn to use spreadsheet, database, or video editing software?

The ISTE NETS suggests that fourth graders create media-rich digital stories, use digital imaging, research & recognize digital bias, use digital tools to collect and organize data, devise digital solutions for global issues, use digital devices in science experiments, and collaboratively work on projects using digital planning. Students of today’s society are able to use these digital resources, they just may require more assistance and modeling at a fourth grade level.

3)      How can student use different types of software help improve scores on state tests?

In fourth grade, there are a variety of ELA standards.  In regards to reading informational text, the following standards apply:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.7
Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.9
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

 

Students could use word processing software, presentation software, graphic organizers, and digital video & audio software to demonstrate their mastery of a specific skill.  They could also use browsers and search engines to conduct inquiry-based lessons.  They could also share what they have learned through email, discussion boards, podcasts, and/or wikis.  Students could also use games and simulations to enhance their learning experiences. 

 

All Software is not designed for educational purposes, but their functions allow them to fit within the curriculum.  To incorporate the needs of the 21^st Century Learner, educators are incorporating more of these software programs to rigorously enhance student learning opportunities.

Check out my Delicious account--------> http://www.delicious.com/faulkc13

I added 15 educational websites that are valuable to my classroom and may be valuable to yours……..

• How difficult was it to find good sites?
• It was not too difficult to find sites.  Many of these sites I have used in both my classroom and the library.  For new teachers, finding websites may be a little difficult, but other teachers are usually your best resource.  Many of the sites I chose came from a colleague.  There are so many websites available, and new ones are created every day, the best way to figure out which ones work with your students and curriculum is to try them.  
• Were there many sites claiming to be educational that were only trying to sell a product?
• There are a tremendous amount of websites selling educational products, Scholastic is one for example.  Although I chose Scholastic as one of my sites, it is because our school receives StoryWorks which is a reading magazine for intermediate students.  The Scholastic website offers tools to enhance the magazine; videos, essential questions, extended lessons, lesson plans, and other resources.  It is always a great idea to purchase classroom materials that have interactive resources available to help your students and incorporate the 21st Century Learner standards.
• Did you find many sites that were not valuable as a resource?
• There were many websites that provided information that was not acceptable for students.  There were materials that were inaccurate, written at a higher level, or even "dumbed" down so that they were irrelevant.  
• What did you think of some of the Web 2.0 sites?
• Many of the Web 2.0 tools were awesome.  Some I have used and others I have just recently heard of.  There were so many sites that I felt overwhelmed.  I suggest that before using them in your classroom an educator should try using them themselves.  Many times educators only need to provide the information and the students will be able to use the technology, but it would be beneficial to have a product to model the resource for the students.
• Did you choose many of the same sites as the students you are following in Delicious?
• Many of the sites they chose, I have either used or chose myself.  As educators, or future educators, there are many websites that dominate our classrooms, because we know they work.  I love being introduced to new resources so I plan on visiting all of the websites I have never used or heard of!!
• What did you like about the 15 sites you selected?
• The sites that I chose vary in their uses, but they are all authoritative and/or work towards student achievement.  I have used each of the sites, either with colleagues or students, and each of them have been successful.  Check them out!!