This was an interesting chapter because it integrated two vastly different philosophies together to utilize technology. Learning is categorized into two different strategies. The Objectivist and The Contructivist Learning Theories. I truly believe that we construct our own knowledge through our experiences. I know I figured out ways to understand information on my own and in my own way as I was growing up. I was frustrated by teachers who kept preaching the information and using drill and practice. I obtained the information when I was ready and in my way. However I do believe teachers need to present information to students and to allow them to assimilate the information by making it their own. As we know through Howard Gardner's work of multiple intelligences children learn in vastly different ways. It is the teacher's role to present information in a variety of ways and allow children to acquire the information through their individual learning style.
This chapter helped me to understand the objectivist and contructivist learning theories play an important role in the integration of technology. The Technology Integration Planning (TIP) Model integrates these two philosophies together to create a logical way of using technology in the classroom. The diagram on page 48 figure 2.9 illustrates how the two come together to utilize both models using technology instruction in the classroom. Another element in this chapter I will use is the technology integration planning checklist on page 63. I believe this is a valuable tool and it combines the objectivist and contructivist models well. These tools in this chapter will help me to better plan and implement the use of technology in my classroom.
I have a Promethean Board (smart board) in my classroom. I just acquired internet capability at the first of the year. The capabilities and information I have access to are endless. However I need to take the time to plan and implement lessons which will benefit the students the most. This board allows me to make flipcharts or I can access already made ones on line at Prometheanplanet.com. These flipcharts allow me to introduce a skill, allows students to practice the skill and then assess. This tool is engaging and allows all students to participate. It can be used whole group, or small group and it utilizes many learning styles. I will use the checklist to help implement this tool in my classroom and to benefit all my students.
As I was reading Chapter 1 in the textbook, (Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching), one point jumped out at me. What is "Educational Technology"? Well I thought educational technology is how we use technology in education. I really did not break it down into two categories like the book. I like the definition on page 6. "Technology must focus on the process of applying tools for educational purposes as well as the tools and materials used. " A quote from Muffoletto (1994) states "Technology...is not a collection of machines and devices, but a way of acting" (p.25). I think this is a very poignant statement. I believe technology is a great tool to use for technology but I also believe the way the teacher uses it is as important.
I will explain this using two examples. My first one is Accelerated Reader. Accelerator Reader is a good program. But I do not think it should be the only way a teacher checks to see if a child reads a book and understands it. I do not think a child should read a book just for the points. The program system is used in various ways. In one school system my children went to they were given prizes for the most books read and accumulation of points. Some kids would read lots of little books to get points, or read some of the book and take the test guessing on some of the answers. Some teachers state children need to accumulate so many points a grading period. I do not think that is fair due to the vast differences in reading abilities of students in each classroom. This is where the teacher can use a tool and design it to fit individuals. The teacher could set a point value for each individual. The teacher could also use the book as a read aloud and then have students take the test for a comprehension activity. Students could also read a book in small groups,(literature circles), discuss and then take the test for one evaluation. Teachers can also use other assessments with the computer assessment.
My second example is Thinklink. We have used this program at our school for two years. Our school takes three Thinklink test a year. These test are indicators on how well they may do on ARMT and SAT-10 test. As teachers we have the capability to create test on individual skills. I believe this is a valuable tool. At first I thought another test, but once I explored it and began to use it I really believe it is a valuable program. It is great for differentiated instruction. I can create a test for the whole class or I can create a test for one individual. I can also isolate the skills and test on one skill if need be.
I believe these are examples of applying a tool for an educational process as well as the materials.
I am going to end this entry with another quote from our text, the author Naisbitt's (1994) Mega Trends: ...whenever new technology is introduced into society, there must be a counterbalancing human response... the more high tech (it is), the more high touch (is needed)" (p.35). It is up to the teacher to utilize the technology in a responsible manner.
I have been exploring the blog site. I changed the color. I have been on blackboard and looking at all the different things available and the assignments.
This is actually my second blog I have created. I created one at school but have not used it. Creating this blog was pretty easy. The blog site was user friendly. I hope I will learn more in this class and become more comfortable using the blog.