Teaching+with+Technology

New Knowledge from Week 1:

Before this week, I had never heard of cyborg theory. I envisioned Star Trek and the cyborgs that were more machine than human. While watching the video, I saw that that Star Trek picture in my mind is what Warwick is working towards. I am unsure of the implications that this movement will have on society. I am sure some good could possibly be found, but I feel that at this point in time the negative will outwiegh the positive. I do agree with Ray Kurzweil's belief that technology and human melding (or interaction) will have a huge impact on education. I currently utilize one of Kurweil's assistive technologies. Students benefit greatly from the text-to-speech program. Their involvement in the classroom and curriculum has greatly improved. I can only hope that these benefits will continue when new technologies are introduced. I did enjoy the videos on connectivism and constructivism. I believe my teaching methods reflect both views depending on the students needs.

Week 2:

I loved the CAST website. [|www.cast.org]. The vidoe describing universal design learning (UDL) gave some great basic information. I would love to see more videos posted that would show teachers using UDL in the classroom. CAST might have them up, but I haven't fully explored the site as of yet. I also really enjoyed the article //Teaching Every Student.// The more I read about UDL the more I see myself. As a teacher, I have always strived to make the concept or objective as applicable to possible to each student. My goal is to allow each student access to the information. The access might not be exactly the same for each student. Some kids need teachnology to get it while others need to hear it. I believe true special educators have been practicing UDL for years. I am so happy to see the concept sweeping into general education. After reading the quote from //Avatars of the Word// by James O'Donnell, I am tempted to go get his book. The quote: "[It will be] to advise, guide, and encourage students wading through the deep waters of the information flood. [Educators] will thrive as mentors, tutors, backseat drivers, and coaches. They will use the best skill they have ...to nudge, push, and sometimes pull students through the educationally crucial tasks of processing information: analysis, problem solving, and synthesis of ideas. These are the heart of education, and these are the activities on which our time can best be spent. (O'Donnell, 1998, p.156)"

These sentences sum up what I feel my job as an educator is. I can accomplish the nudging, pushing, and pulling students through the task of processing information whether I use technology or "traditional" methods. I just feel that technology is a way that I can relate to students and perhaps speed up the process.

Week 3:

This week was a challenge to me. I love the idea of UDL, but trying to write a lesson was difficult. It has been close to 4 years since I have had to write a lesson plan! While writing this I am remembering the lesson plan form that our school used in Tennessee. In a small way this form was beginning to push teachers toward UDL. The form required us to check off what methods we would be using to present information, which resources would be available for students, how we would assess the lesson goal/objective, and there was always a blank for other. Most teachers at the campus could not believe my principal came up with so many choices. Many also realized they were in a rut. Unfortunately, as I remember the form all I remember is that most choices were paper and pencil options. I always had to write in my hands-on activities. I do have to credit my principal in finding a baby step to take with that faculty.

This week's reading seemed to be overwhelming with information. I will be re-reading them to make sure I am truly understanding the material. All I know is that I want to continue learning about UDL and to truly implement this in my district.

Week 4:

Wow! This week was busy for me personally, but I was excited to watch all the videos. The one that jumped at me was "Harness Your Students Digital Smarts". I was amazed to see all the activity in the classroom. I have imagined what a technology rich classroom could look like, but this was way better! The teacher was implementing so many of the resources that are mentioned in //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,// Pitler et al//.// I feel a little overwhelmed after watching that room. I know that I would have to place so much trust in my students to be able to let them teach me, but now I can see an example of that scenario working. I think that if I can implement one or two of the resources from our reading this week I will feel like I have accomplished a lot. My favorite ideas are implementing WebQuests and the Building Homes of Our Own website. I have a student that can begin using the home building site tomorrow. I will have loads of fun watching this project develop.

Week 5:

After watching the videos, I am beginning to understand that video games might be all bad. I have seen students become more involved whiel playing a game than even doing hands-on projects. I was never sure that the games should be allowed in the classroom. I felt more enlightened by James Paul Gee's explanation of why kids enjoy them so much. I can now see the potential of using these games to teach. I have given a fellow teacher the list of simulation games from //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works,// Pitler et al//.// So far her students seem to really enjoy the games. I can see myself using this technique to encourage practical life application of concepts.