Chapter 7: Introducing the Internet and Other Distance Learning Tools
A quote from the report Fool's Gold: A Critical Look at Computers and Childhood by the Alliance for Childhood states "The renewal of education requires personal attention to students from good teachers and active parents, strongly supported by their communities." Cordes & Miller state that "Technology integration requires commitment to developmentally appropriate education and attention to the full range of children's real low-tech needs- physical, emotional, and social, as well as cognitive" (Cordes & Miller, 2000, p.4). This integrates well with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This state’s children's needs need to be met on a personal level before learning can take place. Children need to feel safe and secure in the learning environment before learning can take place and they also need to have developmentally appropriate activities for learning to take place. It also means teachers need to use technology that is appropriate for the development of each student.
The definition of distance learning is the “acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance." There are many varieties of distance learning techniques. Many of these techniques have been around for a long time. The integrations of technology through distance learning have made significant changes in the world of delivering instruction. However, I think it is very important for teachers to remember the development of the student before using distance learning techniques. These techniques range from abstract to the least abstract in activities.
I teach third grade and some of these tools such as videos and television broadcast are ideal for this age group. Other activities such as student research, online classroom materials and web-based lessons can be used effectively with plenty of student and teacher interaction. I also believe in the constructivist model that students need to construct their own knowledge. So throughout the learning activities the teacher needs to use caution while planning and implementing the activity. The teacher needs to facilitate and observe students and anticipate their needs as the learning activity continues.
Distance learning is a wonderful component if it is used appropriately and wisely while meeting the needs of individual students.
Chapter 8: Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum
The assignment Dr. Wang gave us about technology affordances really made me think about using technology that is beneficial for my students. So when I start a project now I ask myself can this be done just as effectively without technology or is technology a must in this project?
The technology available is phenomenal. The teacher needs to research and plan while this can be time consuming it is essential to create a positive impact on students’ learning. As a third grade teacher many of these activities need to be modeled and practiced before the student can effectively utilize these independently. However I believe some of these methods can be used in very concrete ways for my students. I have used Electronic field trips often as a part of exploring places students have never been. Students can visually see using electronic field trips. One I have used in the past is to take a tour of the White House. The tour was very student friendly and engaging. Electronic pen pals are also another activity I have incorporated into a variety of lessons. There are many new ones that interest me and I will explore them in more depth to be able to utilize them into future projects.
One component I am very interested in is using Webquests. We have a few teachers that use these. I would like to learn how to implement these into lessons. The information in this chapter is very practical and informative. I really like the rubric. I am a whole to part learner and it helps me to see the end product or the whole and then I am able to break it apart to understand. The rubric is the whole broken into parts.
This chapter has been very informative. It is also one that I will use in the future. It has so much information and activities and assessments that are very appropriate. As I incorporate more technology into my lessons I will continue to remember if they are appropriate and beneficial for my students.
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