According to “Using Technology in the Classroom” by Gray Bitter and Jane Legacy, chapter four asserts that “emerging technologies continue to play a major role in our future.” Video games, iPods, personal data assistants, and wireless tablets are just a few of the well known gadgets being used. Among all of these I feel that the interactive white boards will have the greatest impact on my profession.
The SMART Board has quickly become one of the most used tools in education and their website was recently updated to note their one million mark in sales achievements. I believe that educators will soon base all of their lesson plans around the SMART Board to incorporate it into all aspects of the curriculum. I think that this tool will is a great way to keep all students of all ages engaged. If educators will take advantage of this technological opportunity, SMART Boards can provide a more efficient and more productive learning environment for the future.
The Internet is a great tool that has tremendously changes the education field over the years. The book, “Using Technology in the Classroom” by Gary Bitter and Jane Legacy, asserts that “the dynamic nature of the Internet..implies a future of continual growth beyond even what can be imagined today,” (54). I imagine that the Internet will eventually grow to change the educational realm completely.
I feel there is one particular aspect of the Internet that is likely to have a significnt impact in the near future, online chat and video conferencing. Currently, at many major colleges and universities classes are being held virtually. Videoconferencing abilities have eliminated the traditional classroom by allowing students to participte in activities, discussions, and even assessments without leaving their dorm room. Moreover, online chat alows individuals to communicate instantly, as if their conversation were in person.
In the future, I can picture that Internet tools will eliminate the traditional classroom setting. Hopefully the internet will not eliminate the teaching profession entirely however, at this point, anything is possible with technology!
Target grade: Second
Key Concepts: Identifying the mood of a poem
Davis Bulter Podcast Project Fall 08:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download
Digital storytelling is a great tool that allows teachers to enhance their classrooms. It is obvious that using this computer-based method would be a great way to engage my students. When creating a lesson plan, I could incorporate a digital story to help achieve my objective.
For example, at the Elementary level students use numerous songs that help with memorization. I could create a podcast that had pictures or even a video to go along with music. This will allow my students to have a visual memory that could have a greater impact on those individuals who are visual learners.
When teaching the months of the year, I could create a short digital story which allowed students to see a picture that is associated with each month. Instead of giving them the answers, students could write down which month they think it is. The only materials needed would be paper and I could use this activity as a form of assessment. Digital storytelling is something that I hope to learn more about because I want to utilize this tool as much as possible in my classroom.
ButlerDavisProductivityToolsProject My project is intended for the 5th grade level. My objective is for students to be be able to collect data while using decimals and identify the mean, median, and mode of their set. The handout first has them learn definitions through the use of an interactive crossword puzzle. Second, the students will log their data onto the handout during the activity. Students will then log their data into an Excel spreadsheet. the inspiration content map helps them understand the terms by using them in several different ways.
Focus Question 3 (Page 38)
There are many ways in which content mapping can be used to address different learning styles. For example, a content map would be extremely useful for students who are visual learners. Whether using content-mapping for writing, studying, or thinking children can produce their ideas in an organized manner.
For example, programs such as Inspiration and Kidspiration are great ways to help children comprehend subjects in the classroom. Teachers and students can customize their maps with pictures and words that provide a unique form of personalized instruction. Students are then able to link certain ideas with their visual creation which will make memorization and learning more effective.
In today’s society technology is rapidly changing and I feel it is important for teachers to take advantage of the many electronic tools that are available. Concept-mapping tools can excite and engage students on various levels. I want to help students get the big picture by utilizing content-mapping in place of textual and verbal instruction.
ButlerDavisPowerPoint
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Objectives: Lesson will teach students the parts of a book.
Option 1: Once I have my own classroom, I know it will be important to engage my students constantly. I feel that John Dewey’s ideas on learning can serve as a guideline for all future teachers. Learning by doing is a method that I plan to use frequently in the classroom because as a student, I have benefited from hands on activities. I can teach the 21st century skills easily through the technological options that are available today. Throughout my education I was rarely exposed to any type of global awareness, but as an adult I realize it is extremely important. By using video cameras, projectors and computers, I can conduct interactive classroom exchanges with other countries. This will help increase global awareness and allow students to have cultural experiences that a textbook could not provide. Allowing my students to share ideas and use their creativity will hopefully ignite their desire for knowledge. In my classroom I want to give students a new way of communication by utilizing the many tools that technology has to offer.