Reflective Post

My experiences while taking this course EME 2040 was informative and insightful. Before this course I was unaware of all the different uses technology could provide to make learning easier and more fun. For instance students that have exceptionalities are able to use certain technologies to boost their learning.  A DynaVox which is a device that aids in communication by using a child's gaze or stare towards a specific photo, tablet speaks for the child. There are other devices that help those with hearing and other impairments as well. There are also innovative apps like Google Translate that can help ESOL students learn English. Using these technologies opens so many doors to students and how they are able to learn. I'm excited for the opportunity to introduce some of these technologies into my own classroom to assist those students that may be struggling.  

I thoroughly enjoyed most of the projects such as the Web Quest and Teacher Web Page portfolio. Learning to develop an internet based project where students can learn to navigate the web and do research, while meeting objectives. The Teacher Web Page was my favorite! Creating a web based portfolio and highlighting important things such as favorite classroom lessons, personal knowledge gained from this course, site students will enjoy and a note to parents while allowing flexibility to be creative was a blast! The Website Review was another project that gave further insight to evaluating software and checking its credibility, something I will use in the future.

Overall I would say this was a good course for anyone to take. It's very informative. The textbook was helpful but not nearly as helpful as the video instructions left by the professor in specific modules. I'm a visual learner so being shown step by step how to do something is the best way for me to learn vs. reading from the textbook. In particular I did not so much enjoy the group projects assigned but I understand they were necessary to the course syllabus. Communication between group members can be complex or none existent, along with disagreement of certain tasks,  this makes group assignments all the more difficult to complete.  I also enjoyed discussions and Blog Post as they gave me the opportunity to express my own opinions and be more creative using digital tools. 

Photo credit to Denise Krebs via Flickr

Resources:

Dynavox, T. (2015). Find Help in Your Area. Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/maestro/

E. (2010). Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams. Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXxdxck8Gic

G. (2015). Google Translate vs. Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06olHmcJjS0

Krebs, D. (2011, November 25). Technology Use. Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsdkrebs/6400358699/in/photolist-aKzvE4-dp73ZJ-qeP4jq-96xaAD-97EgwY-97EgJh-97Ba4t-97B9Sc-97EfWL-97Egnf-97Bafe-97EgWh-qXE9mv-kV4dCy-dsGro5-rbaqWr-9jbeZy-qgDGqC-qWauEZ-aPFZzH-qwGjuc-6aPwhV-74VJRV-oki2x-9XuoKD-7b7TBK-m2SWHp-5A6F8L-dtwDQZ-8ihv2X-niZagA-dL7YXG-obJZ5v-rKq1x-5D99ge-nKQQnQ-rBbQnX-6U3m4v-dL7YVb-6be1eg-iQ4UwC-4y2npG-qULZcT-6ELEQc-8vEXcj-5SPNJc-9BVnBh-8ZVT9P-zbVmjs-nEQT6R 

Digital Blog Post #F

Technology has become so advanced making it easy to access information and files to use personally or professionally. Bookmarking  and Cloud Computing have made it easy for teachers to access information they want to view or share with their students/colleagues. Bookmarking is wonderful because it allows teachers to create and access a list of save websites that they visit often instead of having to go to the search bar and look for it every time they want to refer back to it. This way if a teacher wants to look back all they have to do it go to their bookmark list and they can easily find the site. Cloud computing is the most modern and covenant way of storing and sharing data using the internet or "the cloud". (Maloy et al., 2013, pg. 134)  Truly one of the most remarkable tools in this day and age, really great if you are nowhere near home and need to access something, it's saved in "the cloud" so you don't have to worry about not using the computer you saved it on. You can use your phone to access whatever it is you need.  This video provides a simplified explanation of how it works.

One-to-one Laptop Computing is a relatively recent initiative states are working to implement into schools across the country. (Maloy et al., 2013, pg. 306) Ideally this is so that every student has their own computing device to use while in school. Whether it be a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, iPad, smart phone, etc. Having students use these devices as early as elementary level prepares them for higher level education and provides them with a growing familiarity with technology. 

Photo credit  to Schoolux Online via Flickr

Cooperative Learning and Group work is a great way for students to each take on a role in a group assignment and teach it to the rest of their peers. This way students are able to teach and learn from one another while using technology to gather information and resources but still keeping focus on the objective. This is a wonderful way for students to collaborate. These types of assignments also give teachers more free range to check on progress and assist students with any questions they may have.  (Maloy et al., 2013, pg. 309) Students tend to not enjoy working in group environments mainly due to poor attitude and not well managed atmosphere. However when teachers are able to plan accordingly the outcome can be quite rewarding for both students and teachers.  (Weimer , 2013)

ToonDoo created by Jessica Drapal

Resources:

Drapal, J. (2016, April 24). Fear Cured by Jmdrapal - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/10011282 

M. (2010). Cloud Computing : Simple and Easy. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRaJ5QdDT2E

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.   

Schoolux Online. (2008, June 6). Retrieved April 24, 2016, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/104736715@N07/10925340673/in/photolist-hDre9D-dS2MBD-bhpX1D-6i7qAL-dM1ZUV-oCMWL9-DLAivD-e6sjmm-9FUKfq-7Z1dwC-pXpfjn-iLG57b-6bXF19-jBdptu-8ac3Ye-7Adb87-bhoUWn-ikLg56-5jwjuF-5VyXhz-qZU43A-9wimAG-9kJZL1-58SyaY-6NBMaT-8PCwt2-6MEqfW-aGYwC4-bZEv1f-5zr2Lu-9TKYq1-oHDe46-9qgBJv-ai87be-rYYWsP-6YHVgf-ayT4Yo-4wmc5L-axLvSb-e4hh57-7beJ1K-o1yWop-j4tdEi-aHTq7e-nyfwHF-g587AG-npQcVF-dpE6wA-dmsiF1-7ZRJzK/lightbox/

Weimer, M., PhD. (2013). Five Things Students Can Learn through Group Work. Retrieved April 24, 2016, from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/five-things-students-can-learn-through-group-work/

Digital Blog Post #E

There are two approaches that usually follow the three elements of lesson planning,  student learning objectives or Understanding by Design (UBD). Student learning objectives focus on purpose or the end result of the activity, not necessarily the activity itself. While student learning objectives are more precise in that, after the lesson is complete students will know in particular what they will be able to do. (Maloy et al., 2013 p.78) When using UBD there are three stages to this approach.  First the teacher points out the idea of the lesson and presents questions. Second, the teacher decides what ways students can show that they have learned from the lesson. Third, plan learning experiences and instruction, this is the similar to the student learning objectives as this stage focuses on the objectives and the order of the lesson.  Both approaches to lesson planning focus on key objectives and assessment. (Maloy et al., 2013 p.79)

                              

Literacy learning with digital cameras is a great way in which students and teachers both benefit. By using cameras students can incorporate photographs, short videos or a combination to post, view and review material. Practically any subject/project can be photographed and used to encourage the development of subjects and lessons through photos. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 230) Alphabet books are a way in which students can create their own books  using photographs or drawings. Concept books focus on a single idea or category like numbers, letters, colors, etc. using pictures. These types of books can help encourage students through their learning of literacy. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 231)

    

                             

Involving students in learning and assessments is crucial to productivity. Students are more likely to perform better and become more engaged in assignments and activities when given options as to what they learn and how they learn the material. (Maloy et al., 2013 p.283)  Allowing students to contribute to the aspects of assignments and activities will cause them to become more involved the learning outcome have a lasting impact. Which will also in turn motivate students to track their progress and be more attentive of how their being assessed.  

Resources:

Learning A-Z. (n.d.). Alphabet. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from https://www.readingaz.com/books/alphabet-books/

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

S. (2010, December 15). Once Upon an Alphabet Pop-Up Book. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JGi04rBCxc 

Digital Blog Post #D

Our students education is held at a high standard we want all our students to reach their expectations and meet required standards. By using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) we can make sure all students have an equal opportunity in their education. Creating a wider range of learning for our most diverse students by various ways of representing information, allowing multiple ways for students to express what they've learned and by keeping them engaged,  while challenging them and inspiring them to learn more. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 250) There are many different ways to represent information whether it be by power point presentation, lecture, etc. each way is unique to a student's way of learning and understanding information being delivered. Students love to express what they've learned allow them to show it by doing more than taking assessments, projects and experiments are great! One of the hardest things is to keep students engaged. By becoming well in tuned with what they like and incorporating it, they will become engrossed in the curriculum.

https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/b4OEtaDjaI2/?mode=movie#/

The amount of linguistically diverse learners is increasing. With more accessible resources such as the internet, it is much easier for students to be involved and follow the curriculum while they learn English. As well as for those students who speak English and would like to learn other languages. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 247) Google translate is a free website or app that is easily and widely used to translate words and sentences. By typing in "Hello" in English then clicking translate in Spanish Google will give you the most common translation "Ola" and list below other words that it also translates as 'hello'. This website can be used on computers and also be used on smart phones and tablets. It has been revised in a way we never thought possible. You can now use your phone to translate the words through the app by simply holding up your phone using your camera. Pretty cool!

There are low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech accommodations that teachers can provide for students with diverse learning needs to assist in how the curriculum is presented and learned. It's imperative for children not to lose interest in what they are doing so they do not lose the interest in what they are learning. Ranging from low-tech accommodations where no digital material is necessary, by writing on the chalkboard in bright bold colors students are able to see better and have a less challenging time seeing what is on the board. Where High-tech accommodations require students to use computers and other types of technologies. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 253) By using audio books as Reading material students are able to hear and learn word recognition. Each adaptation will specially fit the way a student can learn and perform tasks it is up to the teacher as to which process best fits the students.   

Resources:

C. (2012). TAKE A TOUR: LEARN ABOUT UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING | National Center On Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved March 06, 2016, from http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/take_a_tour_udl

Drapal, J. (2016, March 13). Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved March 06, 2016, from https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/b4OEtaDjaI2/?mode=movie#/

Google Translate vs. "La Bamba" (2015, July 29). Retrieved March 06, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06olHmcJjS0

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Williams, M. (2012, April 18). IPads especially helpful for special-needs students. Retrieved March 06, 2016, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/advice/ipads-especially-helpful-for-special-needs-students/2012/04/17/gIQAQn1iQT_story.html

Digital Blog Post #C

In most cases today students find school and the idea of learning to be the equivalent of having to clean their rooms and do laundry, which is daunting and boring. If the tasks that students were assigned more pleasurable then they would not hesitate to engage and complete them with a sense of accomplishment. One of the ways that students could become more interested in their education is through gaming. Many children are acquainted with some type of technology most commonly iPhones, iPads, tablets, computers, etc. so why not use digital games for learning. With all the many technological advances there have been many software programs developed to incorporate learning as its main focus using games.  In order to engage the students the software must involve what they enjoy or are interested in. (Raymer, 2011) The more enjoyable the game the less a student is likely to think "what is the purpose of this?!"

                                

Secondly there are strategies for using games with students that can prove to be very effective.  By combining games that target a combination of skills instead of just a single skill. For example, if a games objective is for Maddie to learn to subtract, she must then pop 5 of the party balloons, before they fly away, until there is only 5 left. While she is popping the balloons she focuses on doing so before they fly away rather than counting to see how many are left. Causing them to be more game savvy than problem solvers. Also not basing the students knowledge on whether  or not they did well by recognizing how many points he/she earned or if they won or lost. Unlike this website which strictly focuses on the material,  instead of the student learning by playing a game. While games are fun, teachers and parents should use caution while their child is online, by discussing appropriate content or even by playing the game with them. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 175)

                              

Lastly software such as Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) unlock more opportunity for students, while the system tests the students knowledge it also allows for students to track their progress. These systems are similar to human tutors asking questions and gathering responses. With these systems students are able to have somewhat on hand tutoring. Helping to apply learning skills and become better at taking assessments. Each ITS is said to be equal to having one teacher per one to three students vs. one teacher per 20-30 students per class. These systems have shown great improvement in students learning, particularly in math. While I would not ever think these systems could replace the position of a teacher they surely provide more help for students allowing for an equal education. (Maloy et al., 2013 p. 176)

                

Resources:

Dinesh, A. (1998). Online Educational Games and Worksheets for K-12! Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.ezschool.com/index.html

Drapal, J. (2016, February 21). Games the Next Big Thing [Photograph].

               

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Raymer, R. (2011, September 28). Gamification: Using Game Mechanics To Enhance ELearning. Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://blog.empowerlms.com/index.php/gamification-game-mechanics-enhance-elearning/

Students Playing Video Games to Learn English. (2013, May 23). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idCOgNR8U-g 

Digital Blog Post #B

Technology has had such a powerful influence in out 21st century. It's no surprise that it continues to grow and do what many used to think of as 'the impossible'. A great concept for students to learn is by integrating technology in the learning process  to expand on their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Instead of reading material through pages of books students can now use computers, tablets and now apps on their own phones. (Maloy et al., 2013, p. 52) Student are able to do more on computers than with pencil and paper. Cutting down on items that they have to carry plus having the mobility of the material is great. There are educational games and apps such as Rosetta Stone that help to teach language, while others teach history, and even math. The more students use technology for these things the more engaged they will become.

Another concept is digital, media and visual literacy. Almost any type of information can be found online or through some type of media. Instead of students just looking at textbooks they can view so many things through an array of digital technologies, educational software programs, online websites, graphing calculators, etc. Teachers are able to teach by showing students how photos, videos, graphs and charts can be used in different areas of learning. (Maloy et al., 2013, p. 55) Most students find visual learning pretty straightforward. Taking in what they see, while reflecting and thinking about it they come up with their own personal opinions and solutions. As a visual learner myself I love being able to have a visual of what I am learning. It breaks down or even gives summaries of concepts making it easier to understand.

Communicative and collaborative projects/assignments are wonderful ways for students to learn. Add technology to the mix and the possibilities are endless. Students working together is a great way for them to learn and grow socially as well as educationally. By using social media and other online websites or games even to keep students interested in what they learn and also working together. The time for students to sit quietly in their seats and copy notes has passed. In most classes today students are engaging with on another working in small groups going in depth about concepts of their learning material whether it be in language arts, history, etc. (Meloy et al., 2013, p. 59) No matter the subject students seem to enjoy the interaction and collaboration with on another vs. the whole class to the teacher. There's no pressure or intimidation coming from students as there may be when answering questions from the teacher, making the environment more comfortable for students.  

These are only a few concepts that can change the way students learn using technology. As I have always thought one sole concept just isn't enough. There needs to be a combination of ways for students to learn allowing a deeper meaning and understanding of educational material.  

Resources:

Best educational apps for high school students. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/29/best-educational-apps-for-high-school-students/

Collaborative Classroom Technology: Naturally SMART. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK8InwlWkYg

Drapal, J. (n.d.). The difference by Jmdrapal - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=9710123 

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Digital Blog Post #A

With the world changing at a fast pace it's important for present day students and future generations to learn and know about technology.  Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) is one way teachers are able to implement technology into the learning process. (Maloy et al, 2013, p. 10) I believe for future teachers this will most likely become a main teaching concept. Using technology to incorporate learning material giving students a balance of learning through technology and the essential basics like books and chalk boards. Many teachers already having knowledge of how to use computers and other technical devices, can engage students by having them use the devices that we essentially teach with.

There is such a wide range of resources and information that comes from so many places and now it can be accessed through technology thus creating a Technology-Based Library.  This gives teachers the ability to have easier access to information. (Maloy et al., 2013, p. 8) As a student I am able to access and manage sources needed for assignments using my PC and the internet vs. going to a public library and searching through a pile of books. In the future as a teacher I would be able to use my sources collaboratively and guide students in the learning process to help build their skills.  

Being able to access information through the internet and other technologies students and teachers now have Technology-Based Textbooks. No longer needing to haul around heavy textbooks. Students and teachers can have easy access to resources and information through cell phones, tablets, apps., social media, the list goes on. Now having access to these "e-books" teachers can incorporate different learning styles into their curriculum; auditory and visual teaching reading, history, math, etc. while allowing students varies ways to access it. (Maloy et al., 2013, p. 8)

It is imperative for teachers and students to become proficient using technology. It allows teachers to have a wider variety of ways to engage students in what they learn and for students to learn many ways to incorporate technology into their assignments. In this century most if not all most jobs/professions incorporate some type of technology into the workplace. For our students to be prepare we as teachers must prepare them. 

Resources:

A List of Jobs That Use Computers. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://work.chron.com/list-jobs-use-computers-7908.html

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.