Tech Class #7

I found the class session to be very helpful in regards to learning about web-quests.  Seeing the purpose of creating web-quests in action as opposed to just reading about them helped me better understand what I can do to complete my web-quest.  In addition, seeing the idea implemented on two different settings- an elementary school setting and a high school setting, helped me realize the numerous possibilities that this form of lesson can be used with.  


In chapter 7, the main topics discussed are problem-solving and inquiry learning opportunities for students.  I was very interested in these topics because I have very little knowledge in knowing which software to use to or what games/programs should be used to help with children's learning.  I find the problem-solving and inquiry learning very useful and believe that those factors should be the basis of every learning lesson-- especially in math.  I think there is a problem when students answer the numeric question correctly  but not the correct answer to the question.  There's learning the material and then there is applying it to our lives.  Using the content that was presented and applying it to real life situations are vital and can help students understand the content better for more advanced learning.  Furthermore, speaking of effective learning material, I actually have never heard of the Intelligent Tutoring systems and hope to apply it in my future educating. 

I plan to use the Educational Software preview guide to help me determine software that can be used for k-12 students.  Has anyone tried downloading/using Kid Pix, Squeak etoys, or Zoombinis Logical Journey? If so, please inform me with details on how you feel about them :)

Week 6 of tech class

Chapter 6 focuses on many topics including information management, bookmarking, social booking marking, Web-quests, and virtual fields.  These are all forms of storing information-such as links and having access to those links of information when you are not by your computer.  What I found most amusing was the survey on page 141, "Reading and Technology in the next ten years" which asked young to late adolescents what they think reading will entail in the next 10 years.  One of the choices included "Books will have secret codes and links to websites where people can join virtual worlds." This stuck out to me because I was reminded of how popular the virtual worlds are as seen in the digital nation video; therefore, I would not be surprised if they have that now.

Turning gears to my video, I stressed over the fact that I've never made created a video before.  After finally completing a task that I probably would not have learned on my own outside of the classroom, I gained a greater appreciation of this method of introduction.  I can actually see myself making a few more videos before I can call myself a pro and actually use them in teaching in the future.  I hope that I will feel the same way after I finish completing my first webquest.

Class 5 tech class

After reading chapter 4, I couldn't agree more that technology is a necessity to help educators in all that they do- assessing, creating lesson plans, evaluations, etc.  I also agree that technology has not been implemented in all schools; therefore concrete technological lesson plans are not enforced yet.  I think the timing for the Common Core standards came at a right time so while educators are creatively coming up with ways to create lesson plans, he or she can use the Common Core standards as a guide to make sure they are still enforcing the content that needs to be taught.  In addition, different students from different schools will still be learning the same curriculum, in terms of content, in order to have all students in the same learning level.  Furthermore, it can prevent teachers from getting carried away with technology or prevent them from focusing to much on the small technical details rather than the foundation of the learning material.

It is comforting even now when teachers send additional/supplemental information on blackboard or by e-mail, therefore having a 'technology-based learning environment" is essential for a teacher to practice.  With the major theme of integrating technology in this chapter, it is important to understand the amount of technology that should be used.  That was one concern that I've always had- how much is too much?  Looking at the stages of technology integration in chapter 4, I see that my biggest and probably the most challenging step would be the last one, the invention stage.  I am not sure I will have enough experience to explore new creative ways to include technology to a personal collection professional teaching techniques.  I guess the best teacher in that sense would be experience in the field.


Here are my questions for our guest speaker tomorrow regarding K-12 online education:


1. Will the socioeconomic status of students have an effect in their online learning k-12 curriculum assessments?

2. How will the social/people skills be affected in students enrolled in the k-12 online education?

3. What changes will be made for standards for teachers when/if this style of education is enforced in the future?