In response to negative comments towards the use of technology in the classroom, Harris states, "tools don't constitute curriculum. Rather, tools should be used in service of students' learning needs."
This article defends the great need for technology in the classroom to allow students the chance to see the real-world application to the material being taught, as well as open the world to them.
Students deserve to be properly prepared for their future in the classroom and technology, especially computers and the internet, are instruments that will be ever-prevalent in their futures.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Lesson Plan: Bullfighting Questions
Debate on Traditional Spanish Bullfighting
Why are traditions important?
What happens if a tradition is no longer viewed as appropriate?
How do bullfighting originate?
What makes bullfighting a part of Spanish culture?
Do you believe it is cruel to continue bullfighting?
Why do people disagree with you?
What are the pros?
What are the cons?
Why are traditions important?
What happens if a tradition is no longer viewed as appropriate?
How do bullfighting originate?
What makes bullfighting a part of Spanish culture?
Do you believe it is cruel to continue bullfighting?
Why do people disagree with you?
What are the pros?
What are the cons?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Dodge Reading- Web Quests
Bernie Dodge describes explains that traditional lesson plans and instruction do not push the students enough. He gives the example of students who are asked to do a report on Canada, but quickly forget the information once the project is completed. The principle to "Challenge your learners to think" illustrates the importance for students to be engaged in their learning to make it meaningful.
In our Web Quest about different Spanish speaking countries, students will be challenged to seek information as well as relate the information to previous assumptions and information. They will have the opportunity to really acquire the information and understand the application of it. Web Quests are a great way to get students involved with their learning.
In our Web Quest about different Spanish speaking countries, students will be challenged to seek information as well as relate the information to previous assumptions and information. They will have the opportunity to really acquire the information and understand the application of it. Web Quests are a great way to get students involved with their learning.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Reiser Reading
The activities described in the Reiser reading are projected to instruct students on interdisciplinary topics through a variety of learning styles. Reiser describes the different stations in which the students can work and explore the topics in small groups to help teach one another with a low affect level.
The Integrated Final Projects are also geared to teach at least four interdisciplinary topics to coordinate school curriculum. This helps students to see the value and relevance of the topics being taught. The final projects use technology in appropriate ways to help students explore new ways of finding information.
In the constantly technologically advancing society students are currently being exposed to, it is necessary to utilize every opportunity to apply these advances in the classroom. Students, in general, are quick to understand technology and find more interest in the curriculum when modern methods are included in instruction.
It takes planning and sincere thoughtfulness on the part of the teacher to utilize these lesson plans with current technology, but the advantages to both students and teachers make the effort well worth it.
The Integrated Final Projects are also geared to teach at least four interdisciplinary topics to coordinate school curriculum. This helps students to see the value and relevance of the topics being taught. The final projects use technology in appropriate ways to help students explore new ways of finding information.
In the constantly technologically advancing society students are currently being exposed to, it is necessary to utilize every opportunity to apply these advances in the classroom. Students, in general, are quick to understand technology and find more interest in the curriculum when modern methods are included in instruction.
It takes planning and sincere thoughtfulness on the part of the teacher to utilize these lesson plans with current technology, but the advantages to both students and teachers make the effort well worth it.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Assessment vs. Evaluation
Assessment is "the full range of information gathered and synthesized by teachers for the purpose of making decisions about their students." Teachers use assessments to determine what information the students have acquired and makes judgments as to how to proceed with the lesson. After teaching particular material, a teacher may check for understanding with a quiz or homework or by randomly asking students questions regarding the topic in order to decide if more information should be taught or the previous material should be reviewed again.
In assessing students' technology projects, teachers should find ways to judge the amount of understanding the students have about technology. Some students may find a technological project easy and lacking a challenge while other students, who have had less exposure to technology may struggle severely. Teachers can assess the skill level of the students and determine future instructional strategies to help each student feel challenged and successful.
Evaluation is "the process of making judgments, assigning value, or deciding worth." The grading portion of testing falls into the evaluation category. Teachers must put a value on how well students are able to do their work. Students may be placed in groups determined by their evaluations. Grades inform students and parents of how well the student acquired the information that was taught.
In evaluating student technology projects, the teacher may place certain students together according to their skill level so he/she may more accurately teach each group, or may place higher skilled students with lower skilled students in a group to teach one another. Technology projects for students may be difficult to grade and place value on the work that is accomplished. A basic grading rubric is helpful for students to follow and maintain focus on the project, while allowing the teacher ways to decide the quality or worth of the finished project.
In assessing students' technology projects, teachers should find ways to judge the amount of understanding the students have about technology. Some students may find a technological project easy and lacking a challenge while other students, who have had less exposure to technology may struggle severely. Teachers can assess the skill level of the students and determine future instructional strategies to help each student feel challenged and successful.
Evaluation is "the process of making judgments, assigning value, or deciding worth." The grading portion of testing falls into the evaluation category. Teachers must put a value on how well students are able to do their work. Students may be placed in groups determined by their evaluations. Grades inform students and parents of how well the student acquired the information that was taught.
In evaluating student technology projects, the teacher may place certain students together according to their skill level so he/she may more accurately teach each group, or may place higher skilled students with lower skilled students in a group to teach one another. Technology projects for students may be difficult to grade and place value on the work that is accomplished. A basic grading rubric is helpful for students to follow and maintain focus on the project, while allowing the teacher ways to decide the quality or worth of the finished project.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Benefits of Technology in the Classroom
The classroom benefits of technology are great for both teacher and student. In a classroom where technology is utilized appropriately, students are better able to become active learners. The Barron article uses the example of students being able to listen to a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. or watch a march he lead instead of reading about him in a textbook. Students are empowered by the different ways they can research and learn about a topic due to the availability of the internet and easy access to computers.
Teachers also benefit from the ever-developing technology because they are able to reach out to more students. We know that students have many different learning styles and only a few of them are targeting in current teaching methods. With the use of technology in the classroom, teachers can prepare lessons that more of their students will relate to.
It is important to remember that technology is only beneficial when used properly and appropriately in the classroom. Teachers need to constantly try to improve their teaching methods and not use technology as a shortcut to teaching a topic. However, the benefits of correctly used technology in the classroom can improve students achievement as well as allow teachers more options in their teaching methods.
Teachers also benefit from the ever-developing technology because they are able to reach out to more students. We know that students have many different learning styles and only a few of them are targeting in current teaching methods. With the use of technology in the classroom, teachers can prepare lessons that more of their students will relate to.
It is important to remember that technology is only beneficial when used properly and appropriately in the classroom. Teachers need to constantly try to improve their teaching methods and not use technology as a shortcut to teaching a topic. However, the benefits of correctly used technology in the classroom can improve students achievement as well as allow teachers more options in their teaching methods.
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